I remember this one time I was craving a dish from one of my favorite restaurants. I was so excited to order it, but when I arrived, there was a sign on the door that read, “Sorry, we’re closed.”

I was so sad. It’s an awful feeling to crave something you can’t have. In a way, my latest decision to say goodbye to the podcast was an agonizing one because it makes me feel like I’m putting a “Sorry, we’re closed” sign on a ministry resource that has touched millions of lives around the globe since 2016.

I never want anyone to feel that disappointment of wanting to hear a word—or a fresh cup of inspiration as I call it—and get that sinking feeling when they realize what they crave is no longer available.

GOODBYES ARE HARD

One of my very first blog posts published in June 2007 is titled, “The Gift of Goodbye.” In that short devotion, I talked about the importance of recognizing that everyone and everything will not be a permanent fixture in your life. I explained that saying goodbye can sometimes be “a blessing in disguise.”

Even still, goodbyes are hard. And yet, change is inevitable for all of us, and the sooner we accept that the better.

Friend, change has come knocking at my door. Today, when you listen to my podcast here, you will hear me explain why I will no longer be sharing inspiration through the broadcast. Again, it was a tough decision to be sure, but it has been confirmed in so many ways that the time has come to move forward. Aside from talking to my husband Kenya and my team, first and foremost, I talked to the Lord about it. And I know He is leading me down a different path. Continuing the broadcast had become too difficult, and I knew that the grace on my life to fulfill that mission had lifted.

As I resolved to obey God but emotionally grappled with the decision to walk away, the Lord drew my attention to Deuteronomy 2 where Israel was going through their own transition.

For about 38 years, God’s chosen people had been wandering in the deserts of Seir, which was a mountainous region. Finally, after all that time of dwelling in the same region, God told them, “You have skirted this mountain long enough; turn northward.”

Their season to be in that place was over. God said “long enough” and instructed them to turn.

The name “Seir” means rough or hairy. Have you ever walked through a rough place for a long time where things got a little hairy? A little difficult? Did the road get rocky? Sometimes, God will let you endure seasons like that for a while, and that doesn’t mean you’re out of His will. But when the appointed time comes for your season to shift, God will say, enough my child. It’s time to make a change.

That is what He said to me. Therefore, I am obeying Him by making a change. What gives me consolation is that in our featured Bible story, God instructed Israel on how to navigate the new territory on their way to the Promised Land. He showed them how to handle their season of transition as a shift was taking place in their lives. And if God guided Israel, He will guide me—and you as well.

Transitional seasons are tough. We don’t always know what God is up to as we navigate change. But if I know anything about God, I know that He will lead and guide every step of the way, and He always honors our obedience. When God says go, I go. When He says stay, I stay. When He says move this way, I follow Him.

I WILL MISS IT

Sure, I will miss the podcast. I loved going into the studio, greeting you daily and— above all else—sharing the gospel through that platform. Nevertheless, I am looking ahead through eyes of faith, and I am believing God to guide me through this transition.

Perhaps you are going through a change in your life of some sort and are facing uncertain times. Know that God is holding your hand and leading you somewhere amazing. Just follow Him. I have been walking with the Lord for many years, and I can say that every time I obey Him, things always work out for my good in the end.

Today, as I publicly announce and personally accept this major change in my life, the words of Paul are so fitting. They are found in Philippians 3:13 NLT, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration: “…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, remember, when God says move forward, you can look forward to great things. You may not always know where you’re going, but you can be sure that you will never go wrong following Him.

In closing, thank you for being a part of my podcast community. I will treasure our time together forever, and I look forward to sharing more devotions here through this blog. Though you will not hear my voice, we will certainly hear the voice of God as He speaks through what He leads me to write.

This is not an ending. It is a new beginning, and I give God all the glory during this season of transition.

Now, let’s pray.

God, I trust You in all things, and I know that by obeying You, I am pleasing You, which is my one, true desire. I say yes to Your will in all things, knowing full well that Your way is always right, and following You puts me on the right path to receive what You have for me. I am totally and forever committed and submitted to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!