Make the most of each moment by staying faithful in the season God has you in today. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1, this devotional reminds us that every season has a purpose, and God calls us to faithfully steward the present instead of becoming consumed by the future. Whether you're waiting for answers, stepping into a new opportunity, or navigating a busy season, God invites you to trust His timing and remain fully present with Him.

Rather than striving to control every outcome, we can rest in knowing that the Lord establishes our steps. Like Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet, we're reminded that our relationship with Christ matters more than simply checking off spiritual or daily tasks. As we pursue our goals and responsibilities, we can find joy in slowing down, embracing God's presence, and living faithfully in the moment He has given us.

Highlights:
Every season of life has purpose and is part of God's perfect timing.
Faithfulness means stewarding today's assignments instead of worrying about tomorrow.
God establishes our steps as we trust Him with our plans.
Time spent with Jesus is just as important as the work we do for Him.
Don't become so focused on the future that you miss God's blessings in the present.

Join the Conversation

What season of life are you in right now? How is God inviting you to be more present with Him instead of becoming distracted by what's next?

Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/

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Full Transcript Below:

Make the Most of Each Moment

By Hannah Benson

Bible Reading:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)

Recently, on a beautiful spring afternoon, I rose from my desk and stepped outside.

After working for the past several hours, I needed a break. And some fresh air.

One of my favorite things to do is take a walk around my family’s lush land, past the woods on one side and our neighbor’s horses on the other.

And pray.

This particular afternoon, as I quieted my heart to be still like the grass underneath my feet, I admitted to God I had lots of questions.

Of course, He already knew that, both because He knows everything and because I’d been asking these questions for weeks and months on end with seemingly no answer.

If I were being honest, I realized I was trying to approach this specific situation with my own strength, believing it was up to me to see a breakthrough when I knew deep down it would take a move and a miracle from God.

As I reflected on the previous several weeks, I asked God what He wanted me to know, what He was telling me. Why did it feel like He was being so silent?

And then.

In my heart, God reminded me to make the most of each moment.

Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV says: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Some seasons are busier than others. Some bring change. Some bring new assignments.

In my heart, as I reflected on all this, I realized that I wanted to make the most of this season. Whenever God calls me into a new season, perhaps assignments will shift slightly. I want to make the most of the time I have now and be a faithful steward of what God has given me in each season.

As I write this, I’m prepping to travel out of town for a month to work on a film project, effectively entering a new season.

While I want to have a heart that sits at the feet of Jesus like Mary, I also realize that making the most of each moment means not delaying the assignments God has clearly placed before me. Sometimes, we procrastinate, thinking we can delay the assignment, but if God has called us to a task, the wisest thing we can do is walk in obedience. We must steward the moment by saying “yes” to the work of today, trusting that He will provide everything we need. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).

I want to have an open heart for what the Lord wants to do in my life.

It’s okay to dream and work towards goals. It’s okay to make plans, but as the Scriptures in Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) say, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

God alone knows the plans He has for our lives.

On the flip side, sometimes, we get so caught up in the big picture that we forget to enjoy the present. To take a break from the busyness of life and just be. My love language is quality time, so one of my favorite things to do with those I love is simply spend time with them. To just take a moment to pull away from the busyness of life and just be.

Lately, God has been convicting me to spend deeper, intentional time with Him.

If I love quality time, how much more does God love when I spend time with Him?

Intersecting Faith & Life:

I think of the story of Mary and Martha, famously found in the Gospels. One specific account is Luke 10:38-42. The Bible says “Martha was distracted with much serving” (v. 40) while Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching” (v. 39).

Don’t get me wrong. We are called to serve God, but like any good parent, His love for us is not dependent on what we do. He loves us and wants time with us. He doesn’t want us to get so distracted doing things for Him that we forget to simply be with Him.

Keep in mind that Jesus didn’t scold Martha for serving Him. Far from it! No, He gently and lovingly pointed out that she was “anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary” (v. 41). So many times, we allow our serving to distract us from spending time with Jesus.

As we walk through busy seasons, sometimes, there are a thousand “necessary” tasks calling for our attention. Sometimes, we look forward to the future with anticipation, dreaming of things that lie in “someday.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’s important to have hope for the future.

But I don’t want to get so caught up in the “someday” that I miss the here and now. The beauty of the present sunset. Family laughing around the dinner table. The crush of grass underneath my feet as I breathe in the scent of spring. The view of the mountains outside our kitchen window.

It’s amazing to dream. Let’s keep hoping, but let’s not forget to make the most of each moment we’ve been given. To serve God exactly where He has us, to love the people He has placed in our path. Let’s be people who plan our ways with open hands, allowing the Lord to establish our steps, and choosing, above all else, to simply be with Him.

Dear Father, thank You for the beauty of today. Help us to dream big dreams for the future while remaining fully planted in the present. Teach us to sit at Your feet like Mary, even when our to-do lists look like Martha’s. As we step into new seasons and assignments, let us never miss the miracle of the “here and now.” In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

Make the most of each moment by staying faithful in the season God has you in today. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1, this devotional reminds us that every season has a purpose, and God calls us to faithfully steward the present instead of becoming consumed by the future. Whether you're waiting for answers, stepping into a new opportunity, or navigating a busy season, God invites you to trust His timing and remain fully present with Him.
Rather than striving to control every outcome, we can rest in knowing that the Lord establishes our steps. Like Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet, we're reminded that our relationship with Christ matters more than simply checking off spiritual or daily tasks. As we pursue our goals and responsibilities, we can find joy in slowing down, embracing God's presence, and living faithfully in the moment He has given us.
Highlights:
<ul data-start="880" data-end="1257">
<li data-section-id="18k6p5t" data-start="880" data-end="951">Every season of life has purpose and is part of God's perfect timing.</li>
<li data-section-id="1vh91sx" data-start="952" data-end="1039">Faithfulness means stewarding today's assignments instead of worrying about tomorrow.</li>
<li data-section-id="10mj9aw" data-start="1040" data-end="1099">God establishes our steps as we trust Him with our plans.</li>
<li data-section-id="9wfjtx" data-start="1100" data-end="1171">Time spent with Jesus is just as important as the work we do for Him.</li>
<li data-section-id="18hlq2s" data-start="1172" data-end="1257">Don't become so focused on the future that you miss God's blessings in the present.</li>
</ul>
Join the Conversation
What season of life are you in right now? How is God inviting you to be more present with Him instead of becoming distracted by what's next?
Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here:&nbsp;<a href="https://forums.crosswalk.com/">https://forums.crosswalk.com/</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Make the Most of Each Moment
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading: &ldquo;For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven&rdquo; (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)
Recently, on a beautiful spring afternoon, I rose from my desk and stepped outside.
After working for the past several hours, I needed a break. And some fresh air.
One of my favorite things to do is take a walk around my family&rsquo;s lush land, past the woods on one side and our neighbor&rsquo;s horses on the other.
And pray.
This particular afternoon, as I quieted my heart to be still like the grass underneath my feet, I admitted to God I had lots of questions.
Of course, He already knew that, both because He knows everything and because I&rsquo;d been asking these questions for weeks and months on end with seemingly no answer.
If I were being honest, I realized I was trying to approach this specific situation with my own strength, believing it was up to me to see a breakthrough when I knew deep down it would take a move and a miracle from God.
As I reflected on the previous several weeks, I asked God what He wanted me to know, what He was telling me. Why did it feel like He was being so silent?
And then.
In my heart, God reminded me to make the most of each moment.
Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV says: &ldquo;Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.&rdquo;
Some seasons are busier than others. Some bring change. Some bring new assignments.
In my heart, as I reflected on all this, I realized that I wanted to make the most of&nbsp;this season.&nbsp;Whenever God calls me into a new season, perhaps assignments will shift slightly. I want to make the most of the time I have now and be a faithful steward of what God has given me in each season.
As I write this, I&rsquo;m prepping to travel out of town for a month to work on a film project, effectively entering a new season.
While I want to have a heart that sits at the feet of Jesus like Mary, I also realize that making the most of each moment means not delaying the assignments God has clearly placed before me. Sometimes, we procrastinate, thinking we can delay the assignment, but if God has called us to a task, the wisest thing we can do is walk in obedience. We must steward the moment by saying &ldquo;yes&rdquo; to the work of today, trusting that He will provide everything we need. &ldquo;And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ&rdquo; (Philippians 1:6 ESV).
I want to have an open heart for what the Lord wants to do in my life.
It&rsquo;s okay to dream and work towards goals. It&rsquo;s okay to make plans, but as the Scriptures in Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) say, &ldquo;The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.&rdquo;
God alone knows the plans He has for our lives.
On the flip side, sometimes, we get so caught up in the big picture that we forget to enjoy the present. To take a break from the busyness of life and just be. My love language is quality time, so one of my favorite things to do with those I love is simply spend time with them. To just take a moment to pull away from the busyness of life and just&nbsp;be.
Lately, God has been convicting me to spend deeper, intentional time with Him.
If I love quality time, how much more does God love when I spend time with Him?
Intersecting Faith &amp; Life:
I think of the story of Mary and Martha, famously found in the Gospels. One specific account is Luke 10:38-42. The Bible says &ldquo;Martha was distracted with much serving&rdquo; (v. 40) while Mary &ldquo;sat at the Lord&rsquo;s feet and listened to his teaching&rdquo; (v. 39).
Don&rsquo;t get me wrong. We are called to serve God, but like any good parent, His love for us is not dependent on&nbsp;what&nbsp;we do. He loves us and wants time with us. He doesn&rsquo;t want us to get so distracted doing things for Him that we forget to simply be with Him.
Keep in mind that Jesus didn&rsquo;t scold Martha for serving Him. Far from it! No, He gently and lovingly pointed out that she was &ldquo;anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary&rdquo; (v. 41). So many times, we allow our serving to distract us from spending time with Jesus.
As we walk through busy seasons, sometimes, there are a thousand &ldquo;necessary&rdquo; tasks calling for our attention. Sometimes, we look forward to the future with anticipation, dreaming of things that lie in &ldquo;someday.&rdquo; That&rsquo;s not necessarily a bad thing; it&rsquo;s important to have hope for the future.
But I don&rsquo;t want to get so caught up in the &ldquo;someday&rdquo; that I miss the here and now. The beauty of the present sunset. Family laughing around the dinner table. The crush of grass underneath my feet as I breathe in the scent of spring. The view of the mountains outside our kitchen window.
It&rsquo;s amazing to dream. Let&rsquo;s keep hoping, but let&rsquo;s not forget to make the most of each moment we&rsquo;ve been given. To serve God exactly where He has us, to love the people He has placed in our path. Let&rsquo;s be people who plan our ways with open hands, allowing the Lord to establish our steps, and choosing, above all else, to simply be with Him.
Dear Father, thank You for the beauty of today. Help us to dream big dreams for the future while remaining fully planted in the present. Teach us to sit at Your feet like Mary, even when our to-do lists look like Martha&rsquo;s. As we step into new seasons and assignments, let us never miss the miracle of the &ldquo;here and now.&rdquo; In Jesus&rsquo;s Name, Amen.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Make the Most of Each Moment

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/57942eca-23f2-41dc-a212-b47b00dba2fc/transcript