God Is Not Done: Choosing Grateful Words in Hard Change

Last updated on: August 18, 2026 at 10:54 pm by Michele Howe

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God Is Not Done: Choosing Grateful Words in Hard Change 2026-08-18T22:54:16-05:00 Michele Howe

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Embracing Life’s Changes

Embracing Life's Changes

Embracing Life’s Changes

The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Psalm 118: 24, 28

Over the years, I’ve learned not simply to think less of myself but to think about myself less. When I’m thinking most about Jesus, I’m most happy.

Randy Alcorn

In the space of five short months, a very good friend had to choose how to react to the bittersweet news that two of her adult sons and their wives and twelve grandchildren were moving states away. During that time of transition both sons and their families lived with my friend and her husband. She recalls it being wonderful and heartbreaking all at the same time.

It would have been so easy to give in to sadness and grief having both sons moving so far away. But my friend took a very path as she worked through her motherly emotions. Instead of getting up each morning and checking off one day closer to their move date, she decided to invest herself, her love, and her words in the short time they were still living with them.

God Is Working Near And Far

My friend got on her smartphone and downloaded a bible study app. She took the time to search for Bible studies that would interest her grandchildren near and far. After selecting an age-appropriate study, she invited each of her grandchildren to join her, and together they would work through the lessons and share their comments, questions, or concerns.

Amazingly, most of her grands opted in. She was absolutely delighted. Together, they would read a passage of scripture, work through the comments and supportive materials, and then answer the questions. What was truly thrilling was how each grandchild would jumpstart their own specific questions and thoughts about the text.

Our Impossibility Is God’s Opportunity

Each word, each biblical principle shared amongst them was discussed and prayed over too. My friend shared how blessed she was to have taken part in these bible studies with her precious grands. And now that they have established this bible study method together, they can continue to participate in more studies together – both near and far.

My friend wisely recognized that her sons’ move was going to affect them all deeply. She knew emotions would be running high. So she decided to be proactive with her inner heart attitude by speaking forth grace-filled words of gratitude about all the good God was doing in their lives – both near and far. Her intentionality to think less about herself and more about Jesus was contagious. Indeed, it was. Her family would testify to the power of a thankful heart which praises God for his day-by-day perfect provision.

* * *

How we choose to respond to life’s unexpected, unwanted, and perhaps even heartbreaking situations speaks volumes. Literally. We make an intentional choice each and every time we speak about something (good or bad). And our words have power. As my friend discovered early on, if she had allowed herself to wallow in sadness and grief and had become paralyzed by her sorrow, she would have missed the eternally impactful opportunity afforded her.

Our words matter. Our words speak out what we believe, what we think, and how we feel. So, learning to speak truth, to give praise, to offer thanks, and to rejoice in all that God has done and is doing…matters. Our words either deflate our listener or encourage their hearts. Our words either build their faith or they breed doubt. Our words will either magnify our Lord or cause others to blame him. Our words matter.

God’s Grace Flourishes When We Surrender

My friend also understood another key element to using her words wisely. She learned to think of herself less often and think more about Jesus. And the wonderful result? Happiness from deep within began to permeate her heart and soul. Yes, even in the midst of personal sadness, grief, or sorrow, we can choose our words wisely and thereby watch how our attitudes and emotions follow. Our words matter.

Take-Away Action Thought

When I am tempted to despair over an unwanted change or difficult news, I will refrain from complaining. Instead, I will make praising God and rejoicing in what he is doing my default response. I will choose to glorify God with my words because words are powerful and they matter.

My Heart’s Cry to You, O Lord

Father, I want to thank you today for the wonderful way you orchestrate blessings all around me. I admit to being tempted to complain or grumble when life hands me unwanted change and difficult news. But I know that as I turn toward you and ask for your divine wisdom to permeate my heart and mind, you begin to show me the beauty even in the pain. Help me to honor you by trusting you. Help me to use my words to praise you, to rejoice in you, and to encourage others to put the full weight of their care and concerns into your faithful hands. Thank you for your patience with me when I struggle to magnify you with my words. Amen.

Practicing Grace and Gratitude

Grace and gratitude from God – The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. This week I will be intentional about listening to praise and worship ministry whenever I am able. I’ll play these God-exalting songs and hymns at home, in my car, and whenever I’m alone.
Grace and gratitude in me – You are my God, and I will praise you. This week, I’ll spend time writing my thanksgiving out in my journal under the headings: family; friends; church; work; health; finances. I will be intentional about noticing the goodness of God in every area of my life.
Grace and gratitude in life – You are my God, and I will exalt you. When I spend time with the Lord each day, I’ll focus most on exalting the Lord and giving thanks to him rather than in requests. Then, I’ll take note of how this shift in prayer has changed my attitude toward the challenges I am facing.

General Christian

Family, Parenting and Religion

About Michele Howe

Michele Howe is the author of 31 books for women, children, and families. She has published over 3000 articles, reviews, and curricula. Her newest release, Brave Faith for Hard Things, helps readers reframe life's most difficult challenges into beautiful endings that God has redeemed. You can read more about the author here.

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