Overcoming Our Seasons by Yvonne Morgan

Seasons

Once again, a new season is upon us. We leave behind the cold, dark days of winter as we enter the season of rebirth. Soon, signs of spring will fill our days with color as the sun warms the world around us. Each year, I await the sweet aroma of the hyacinth wafting on the spring breezes. What are your favorite signs of spring?

But this new season brings spring storms. In my state, we prepare for tornado season. The storm shelter gets cleaned out and resupplied with necessities for use if the unexpected occurs. We clear out the garage, so our cars fit in to protect them from the hailstorms. And the amount of spring rains sets the course for the weather the rest of the year. Will we be hot and dry or cooler because of the downpours?

Seasons of Life

Spring also brings lots of birthdays for my family. Mine falls in April, and next year begins a new decade for me. As I age, my role changes from mom to grandmother while my children move on with their own lives and families. Retirement adds to my life-changing events. I find myself wondering if I still have a purpose in this life.

But life still has a purpose no matter the season. My free-time allows me a chance to volunteer and help others. I can assist my daughters with grandchildren’s drop-offs or pick-ups and attend school events while they work. I participate in weekday Bible studies at church. Our purposes are still there if we just look for them.

Seasons of Faith

The author of Ecclesiastes understood these seasons well. We find his list of seasons in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV):

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 the seasons above offers us an enjoyable moment as well as a corresponding unpleasant moment. The writer understood the ups and downs of every aspect of our life. Some events are within our control, but many are not. So what becomes of our faith during these swings? Do we give up when the bad times come along?

God also understands the seasons of life can be challenging. Part of Jesus’ mission on earth included encouraging us to persevere. Jesus demonstrates this in John 16:22 (NIV); “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Seeking Jesus during any season brings us peace to carry on.

Notice that Jesus did not promise to take away our troubles. He promised to be with us in them. And when we persevere the difficulties, Jesus promises something better in the world to come. We find some of the promises in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV);

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

When we endure in Christ—we are blessed. And, if you need more convincing, God also promises:

• I will be with you. (Matthew 28:20)

• I will protect you. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

• I will be your strength. (Proverbs 18:10)

• I will answer you. (Matthew 7:7)

• I will provide for you. (Philippians 4:19)

• I will give you peace. (John 14:27)

• I will always love you. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

No matter how the seasons change, God never changes, and He provides us the peace to overcome our seasons.

Grace and peace to you - Yvonne M Morgan

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Blog at Turningmountainsintomolehills.org Twitter: @ymmauthor Website: Yvonne-Morgan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMMauthor/

Books: Turning Mountains into Molehills (2017) Rest in God Prayer Journal (9-2020) Faith, Hope, and Love in a Broken World (12-2020)

Yvonne Morgan