Day 5: Walking Forward—Not Finished, But Free

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

—Ephesians 3:20 NIV

There comes a point in the journey where you realize, I’m still standing:

• Maybe not as the same person you were before the loss.
• Maybe not as confident or certain.

But somehow—by God’s grace—you’re still here. Still breathing. Still being held. And that realization matters.

For me, it didn’t come as a big emotional moment. It was quiet, like a whisper of strength where I once felt hollow, or a sense that maybe—just maybe—I wasn’t stuck anymore. The fire didn’t consume me. More than that, it refined me.

We don’t come out of grief unchanged, but we can come out whole.

I’ve learned to stop waiting to feel “ready” to live again. Healing is rarely linear, and there are still tender days. But I’ve discovered freedom isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about walking with the One who already does. The same God who met me in the ashes now walks with me in purpose.

If you’ve made it through this devotional, take notice: You are still here. You are not forgotten. And God still has immeasurably more in store for you.

Reflect

What small step might you take today that reflects your trust in God’s continued purpose for your life?

Pray

Jesus, thank You for staying with me through the rivers and fire. I want to walk with You into what’s next—one step at a time. I may not feel whole yet, but I trust that You are still working. Help me live in freedom. Amen.

Want to go deeper?

If this devotional has spoken to your heart, you may find comfort in reading more of Summers' journey. Her book, Through Rivers and Fire, offers a raw and hope-filled look at walking through loss and discovering God’s goodness along the way.

Read it here