Third Period Encouragement

My hockey-player brother has referenced his later years of life as his ‘third period.’ As we move into the third period of 2026, I’m pondering the goals I set at the beginning of the year. While I have checked a number of boxes, there are areas where I am not on track to achieve my personal goals.

I imagined a comic book version of the word ‘power’ as I read my morning devotion today. Bright and colorful, and attention-grabbing. Isaiah reminded me that God’s power is just that. It stands out and grabs attention. It is there for me when I feel weak and incapable. (Isaiah 40:28–31) God accomplishes the seemingly impossible, when I relinquish my efforts to Him.

It can be hard to keep trying, to keep those good intentions from the beginning of the year, or to strive year after year for yet-unachieved goals. As we turn the calendar page and head into the third period of 2026 you may be feeling invigorated because you are well on your way toward personal goals this year. Or, as I, you may be thinking, “I’d better get at it! I only have four months to go.”

It is in our weaknesses and failures that His power is most evident.

But Isaiah reminds us that it’s not in our own striving and planning and singular efforts that we find the power to live lives of good stewardship and obedience. It is in our weaknesses and failures that His power is most evident. In our own strength we cannot trust, obey, or consistently steward well all that He has entrusted to us. But in God’s power – Jesus’ resurrection power – we can be more than conquerors.

It is a good ‘third period’ reminder to turn to Him yet again and relinquish all of our planning and striving. Today is a good day to take stock of all that God has already done to bring us closer to Him and conform us to the image of Jesus our Lord. It is a good time to assess our situations and the tools we have available to live lives that shine in a dark world.

Today is a good day to take stock of all that God has already done to bring us closer to Him.

So, as we head into the final months of the year, let us confess our failings and weaknesses, and thank God for His provision and all He has already done for us. Then, let us ask Him to help us live the way He is calling us to live – for His glory – that others might see and know His power for them as well.