Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
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. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
As this scripture says, there is a time for everything in every season. In these seasons we experience the good with the bad. That is life. So here we are, facing times that we have not known before. Our schedules have been completely changed and this has allowed us to do new things. Many of you have shared that your time with your family has been such a blessing, you have loved being outside in the yard and in your gardens, you have had the opportunity to immerse yourself in scriptures and listen to worship and devotionals more than ever before. And yes, there has been unbearable times when we couldn’t go to the hospital with our loved ones, couldn’t have the memorial or funeral service with our extended family and friends attending, had to wait to see the birth of our grandchild, have been furloughed from our jobs, This is a new season where we struggle to give thanks and yet it opens the door for us to acknowledge we are not in control. Maybe this time has taught us to give thanks and appreciate our blessings and not have the attitude of entitlement or expectation. God wants us to realize He is the One who is All Knowing.
It has taken many years of learning for me to not run ahead of God with my own ideas and plans. Growing in my faith has prepared me to see God preparing the way for me. I believe this has been such a benefit for us to have this opportunity to realize what is important and valued. We are looking through new lenses. We can know God is watching over us through all of our seasons and life experiences. He is a loving and compassionate God.
The longer I live the more I see the hand of God at work in His Kingdom. He keeps reminding me everything is in His time. Sometimes things don’t go according to our plans but if we wait and give God a chance to bring the fullness of light into the situation all things are possible.
In Isaiah 40:31 it says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
God’s desire is for us to be obedient to His will and follow Him. Are you willing to trust Him in every season of your life? Join Him in your daily walk. He promises to never leave you or forsake you.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We have had seasons in our lives we have loved and celebrated with you, and then we have had seasons that have brought us to our knees in grief and desperation. Prayer is our connection and conversation with you. We plead to you for guidance that we would follow you in obedience. Help us to trust when we cannot see and believe that you will bring us through every season of our lives. We need the eternal hope and promises of your presence in our lives.
In Christ Holy Name, Amen.
My love and prayers,
Ann
