Forward: Trusting God’s Hand in the Changing Seasons of Grief

As we continue our journey through grief and renewal, we are reminded that change is often difficult but necessary. Healing does not mean we erase the past or ignore our pain—it means we allow God to lead us forward into a new season.

Isaiah 43:19 reminds us:
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Last time, we reflected on how God can bring renewal in our sorrow. In this part of our devotional, we will explore how grief can lead us to unexpected purposes and new callings. Through the story of Sojourner Truth—a woman who endured immense loss but found strength in God—we will see how even the deepest sorrow can be used for divine transformation.

Ellen G. White wrote, “The way that leads to eternal life is not smooth and easy. It is rugged and steep. But Jesus has traveled that way before us, and He has marked it by His footprints.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 667).

As we move forward, let us trust that Jesus is walking with us, guiding our steps from sorrow to renewal.

A Devotional on Grief and Purpose

Grief has a way of breaking us open. It forces us to confront pain we never expected, reshaping our hearts and our future. But God, in His mercy, does not leave us shattered. He uses our grief to guide us into a new purpose, one we may never have considered.

Isaiah 43:19 tells us that God is always at work, creating new paths even when we feel lost. What once seemed like an ending can become the beginning of something profound.

The Story of Sojourner Truth: A Life Redeemed for a Greater Purpose

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery in 1797, experiencing sorrow from an early age. She was separated from her family, endured physical and emotional pain, and lost children to the inhumanity of slavery. Her grief could have consumed her, leaving her bitter and broken. Instead, she turned to God, finding solace in His promises.

In the midst of her suffering, Sojourner Truth received a divine vision—an assurance that she was not alone and that she was called to something greater. With faith as her guide, she walked away from slavery and never looked back. But freedom was not the end of her journey; it was the beginning. She became a powerful voice for justice, speaking boldly against slavery and advocating for women’s rights.

Her grief did not vanish, but God transformed it into a mission. She once said, “I will not allow my life’s light to be determined by the darkness around me.” This is the essence of renewal—choosing to let God’s light lead us, even in the midst of sorrow.

Ellen G. White echoes this in her writings: “Out of the darkest hour will come the brightest light. God has His purposes to fulfill, and He will work through those who trust Him.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 512).

Sojourner Truth’s story is a testament to the power of faith in grief. She did not let loss define her. Instead, she allowed God to use her pain to bring change to the world.

Moving from Sorrow to Purpose

Like Sojourner Truth, we all experience grief that threatens to paralyze us. But God whispers, “I am doing a new thing.” Even when we cannot yet see it, He is working in our pain, molding us into people with renewed purpose.

Here are some key truths to remember:

• Grief does not mean the end of your purpose. Sojourner Truth’s life did not stop when she lost her loved ones. Instead, she found a greater calling.
• God walks with you through sorrow. Ellen G. White wrote, “In the day of trouble He will be your refuge; and as you seek His presence, His peace will be with you.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 249).
• Your pain can become someone else’s blessing. Just as Sojourner Truth’s suffering led to a life of advocacy, your journey through grief may be the encouragement someone else needs.

A Prayer for Strength in the Season of Grief

Father, I lay my grief before You, knowing that You are working even in my sorrow. Help me to trust that You are making a way, even when I do not see it. Let my pain be transformed into purpose, and may I find renewal in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final Encouragement

Grief does not have to be the final chapter. God is always doing a new thing, even when the path is unclear. Like Sojourner Truth, may we find the courage to step forward, trusting that God is leading us into something greater.

— The Clay Pot Misfit