Seasons

by Nikki Horne

As I look back over these past couple of years, with the changes and seasons we’ve experienced, these verses from Ecclesiastes come to mind:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Each of us go through various seasons in our lives. We have joyful seasons, as well as seasons of hardships and challenges. Personally, I have seen God’s hand working in our family over these past couple of years. I think the pandemic has given us an opportunity to take a look at what is truly important. We have taken this time to slow down and cherish each moment with our children because it truly does go by so fast!

For those who follow Christ, sanctification (being freed from sin or purified) is the purpose to why we experience these different seasons. We can prepare our hearts to receive whatever comes our way so that our faith is not shaken by seasons of life that can cause us to question our faith in Christ. When we dive into the Word of God and embrace this truth, we can know that we go no place by accident. We can understand that seasons of life will always come. The beauty of Christ’s Word can give us clarity and direction for how we embrace each season. If we can learn to find the blessings in trials, we will more easily embrace whatever season comes our way. We can trust in what God says as our source of strength.

Dear Lord, Thank You for giving Your life so that we may fully be alive. Please help each of us embrace each season that we are going through; whichever season that may be at the moment. Help us to fully trust You, that You know the plans for our lives. Thank You, Lord. Amen.