There’s a verse I’ve returned to often in times of change—when life feels uncertain, when the way forward is unclear, and when I’ve felt the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on my shoulders:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
— 2 Chronicles 20:15
This was a message delivered to King Jehoshaphat in the face of overwhelming odds—but it still speaks to us today, especially in seasons of transition.
Letting Go of the Outcome
Graduation. Retirement. Life changes. New chapters. These are moments when we can’t see the full path ahead. We may be excited, yes—but also a little unsteady. There’s a temptation to hold tight, to plan every step, to try and control the outcome.
But this verse reminds us: The battle is not yours.
That doesn’t mean we do nothing. But it does mean we can release the illusion that we have to figure it all out on our own. We don’t need to carry every burden. We don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, our job is simply to stand still, listen, and trust.
A Shift in Perspective
I think that’s one of the biggest shifts that comes with both aging and spiritual growth: realizing that control is not the goal. Presence is. Faith is. Openness is.
In my younger years, I tried to manage everything—my classroom, my future, even my identity. But the longer I’ve lived, the more I’ve realized how much peace there is in surrender. In saying: I don’t know what’s next, but I trust I’ll be guided. I don’t know what battle lies ahead, but I know I’m not alone.
For a graduate facing an uncertain job market…
For a retiree wondering what purpose looks like outside a career…
For anyone standing at a threshold, unsure whether to step forward or hold back…
This verse offers a steadying truth: You are not in this alone.
Spiritual Grounding in Times of Change
In spring, the soil softens. Roots expand. New life begins beneath the surface long before we see it. I believe spiritual trust works the same way. Even when things look uncertain on the surface, something is quietly taking root beneath our fear.
When we face transitions with open hearts and a willingness to listen, we create space for something divine to move in and through us. We begin to understand that we are not carrying the whole weight of our future. We are walking with it. And with God beside us, we are not walking in fear—we are walking in faith.
A Blessing for the Journey
So whether you are packing up a dorm room or a classroom, walking across a stage or into a new season of life—may you hear this verse as a personal invitation:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged… For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
Let that truth soften your steps. Let it ease your heart. Let it remind you that even when you can’t see what’s ahead, you are already being led toward it.
