By Grace Gilbert
With only about a month left of the Capital Fellows program (typing with tears in my eyes), I have been reflecting on these past 8 months. As we prepare to close out Season 17 and enter into the next season of our lives, I’m reminded of the comfort and provision of God, our good shepherd. He faithfully guides us through the unknowns – the joys, sorrows, fears, laughter, and trials of the future.
We’ve all faced unknowns and trials in our lives and know that there is more to come: whether it will be a broken relationship, loss of a job, shattered dreams, the loss of a loved one, or fill-in-the-blank. In my moments of unknowns and challenges, Psalm 23 has brought my soul great hope and peace. How sweet and comforting are the words in this beautifully written Psalm by David:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23
Psalm 23 beautifully demonstrates how our Good Shepherd provides for us: peace, guidance, restoration, and hope! It is often hard to be obedient sheep because we like things to be in our control and make our own choices. Yet, our shepherd knows each sheep by name, loves us more than we can imagine, and gently leads us along paths of righteousness. I have everything I need in my Shepherd, who leads us to “green pastures and still waters.” The word “want” in verse 1 refers to “lack” in Hebrew. In other words, in God, we lack nothing! Though we are not promised freedom from trouble, we are promised comfort and care from our shepherd.
When anxiety about the future unknowns arises or overwhelms me, I am reminded that he is my only source of peace and hope. Praise be to God, our Good Shepherd, who has guided me thus far and will continue to do so in the seasons ahead. This season has abundantly blessed me! To Him be the glory, for He has done great things this Fellows year.
Grace Gilbert is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2023-24. She is from Nashville, TN and is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. This year, she is working at La Vie En Rose, a wedding photography company, in Alexandria, VA.
Pictures From The Week
Jack and Eliza watching the eclipse!
Catherine & Hannah helping the chefs prepare for Commons!
Spin the wheel egg game at student ministries with the Fellows...
And I got egged 3 times...
Know a Potential Capital Fellow?
If you know a college senior or recent graduate who should consider joining the Capital Fellows program in 2024-25, please encourage them to get in touch with us. The easiest way to express interest in the program is through our Contact Us Form. You can learn more about the program, including application deadlines, by visiting the Capital Fellows website.
About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
There are just three weeks until the Capital Fellows year-end banquet. Wow, this year has gone by fast! The fellows are doing well with job interviews, searching for housing, and keeping their heads in the game as fellows. Please pray for them in the season to find balance and to keep their eyes focused on Jesus. Thank you for your faithful prayer support!
Want to pray for the current Capital Fellows in an ongoing way? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
About The Fellows Initiative
Capital Fellows is part of a network of similar programs across the country. This network is called The Fellows Initiative. There are 34 Fellows programs in TFI, roughly 3,000 alumni living around the world, and more Fellows programs on the way.
If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining TFI by launching a new Fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.
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