Seeing God’s Hand in the Shift from Rest to Responsibility - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - August 25, 2026

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“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” - Genesis 2:15 NIV

Although my calendar tells me fall is just around the corner, the weather declares that summer isn't finished yet. Days still stretch long enough to linger on the porch with a cold beverage and watch fireflies. But even while sitting, I feel it - the shift to a full schedule is happening.

Our weeks are already filling up with school and extracurricular activities, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it. Even though I thrive on a routine, I’ve fallen a little more in love with summer each year as my kids grow up. 

Scripture reminds us to “be still” and know God is God. (Psalm 46:10) If we are intentional about quieting our minds, setting aside time, and seeking Him, we will find Him. But in some seasons, those quiet moments are difficult to come by, aren’t they? Whether it’s a new school year starting, a demanding season at work, or just a busy time in our lives, that time of stillness with God may feel like a luxury. When our days shift to a quicker pace, how do we continue to see His hand? 

As I pondered this question, I realized two things. First, we must acknowledge that both rest and responsibility are from the Lord. We see this truth in Genesis, when God gives man his first job. (Genesis 2) This delegation of work takes place before the serpent deceives Eve and before the fall, so we know it is not a punishment. It is God showing us that like everything else He created, work is good. It is for our benefit to not only enjoy creation, but to take care of it.

When we take care of what is entrusted to us, we appreciate it more. We see that everything is a gift from God, and the way we treat those gifts is a reflection of Him and His character. If everything is easy and free from any kind of toil, how will we see that it’s worth holding on to? 

The second truth we acknowledge is that our work is not in vain. When we are working for the Lord, He sees all of it. Even tasks that feel menial and mundane bring glory to God if we love Him and seek to honor Him in all of it. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (NIV). As I read this verse, I realized how important it is to not skip over the last part: “thanking God the Father through him.” When we thank Him, it opens our eyes to more of the ways He’s working, even when our efforts feel small.

Friend, let’s keep our eyes open in anticipation for all of the things God will do in this season. As we shift from rest to responsibility, the busyness of our days can make it difficult to notice God’s hand. We live in a culture filled with distractions, and seeing Him requires intention. While our quiet moments may be more limited, let’s be purposeful about creating them. Because seeking God and living in communion with Him is always worth it.

God, 
Thank you for seasons of both work and rest. We know that both are a gift from You, and You created each one for a purpose. Help us to see Your hand as we shift into fuller days with more responsibilities. When we’re tired or anxious, may we seek You and find You right there in the midst of the busyness.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/BrunoCervera

Abby McDonald is an author, speaker, and writing coach with a passion for helping women get unstuck and respond to God’s voice in faith. Her books, Shift and Surrendering Certainty, are part of her mission to empower believers to not only discern God’s voice but respond to Him with courage. Abby writes regularly for Proverbs 31 Ministries’ daily devotions team, and her work has been featured in numerous publications. As a certified writing coach, she encourages women to pursue their God-given dreams and loves to teach at writing conferences each year. Abby lives with her husband, three children, and a rotten black lab in the mountains of western Maryland. Sign up for Abby’s free 5 Days to Unstuck Challenge to help you break free from patterns of insecurity and regret. You can also connect with her on her website and on Instagram.

Related Resource: How Faith Finds Us When Life Takes a Detour

Joining us this week is worship leader turned viral comedian Heather Land. After growing up in the shadow of her mother’s decades-long addiction, Heather reflects on how this painful season—alongside her unexpected shift from the worship stage to the world of comedy—taught her that while our paths may take unforeseen turns, our core calling to encourage and uplift others remains constant.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Kessler, an Episcopal priest and Kenyon College chaplain who completed her PhD in medieval studies at the University of Toronto before pivoting to seminary after hitting academic burnout, then built a following as the “Nerdy Priest” on TikTok after a student secretly downloaded the app on her phone. 

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