In light of the end of another school year and moving toward the close of many of our church ministries for the year as we head into summer, I have been reminded in scripture of God’s provision for the seasons in life.
I’m encouraged to think that God is not taken aback by the end of a season in my life because He’s already THERE – no matter where there might be for me. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 139:7-10:
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:7-10
I’m also encouraged to read that when Jesus was about to return to the Father, He told His disciples to wait in the upper room for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. As He was closing His “season” with them here on earth, He was ahead of them and empowering them for their next season. As I look through scripture, I see God doing this repeatedly. It exemplifies His promise to always be with us and never leave or forsake us.
It’s easy to see the seasons of life as you look back over the years. But it’s not always easy to recognize the changes as they are occurring. That’s because there are different kinds of seasons in our life. Some are planned, and others are unplanned, but both cause us to need a special measure of God’s grace and presence to help us keep going.
But Sunday came, and the rain stopped, the umbrellas came down, and JESUS CAME OUT OF THE GRAVE! Like the May flowers result from the April shoA season that comes at its appropriate time is like the end of a school year, graduation, a wedding, or retirement. Like spring, summer, winter, and fall, these seasons arrive as they should at the time that they should. While we are caught up in the plans, preparations, and celebrations, the change happens, and we miss the full weight of it in the moment. Many times, we don’t truly realize it all until it’s over. Then, in what seems like a split-second, our little ones are grown, and are soon gone from our nest and to their next season in life. That’s when I realized how short that particular season had been and how wonderfully sweet those times of cackling laughter, sniffly noses, and warm snuggles from my kids.
On the other hand, some seasons arrive unexpectedly and burst on the scene like a bull in a china shop. The sudden sickness or death of a loved one or special friend, a life-altering injury, job loss, or financial crisis. These seasons spring on us like a carefully set trap from out of nowhere and drive us into immediate dissonance with life. We are hurt, perplexed, and driven to our knees in prayer. These seasons of life are so difficult.
No matter which season you are facing, remember that God is not taken by surprise by the change. He is HERE with you right now to give grace and power. He will be with you THROUGH this season of change and will be with you THERE when it’s over.
I shared with our college students at a commissioning service this week that in times of change in the Bible, God wanted His people to have faith in His PRESENCE more than their accomplishments or abilities. God said to Joshua as his seasons changed:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.“
Joshua 1:9
You are either in a season of change or headed for one. So, hang on, “for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Isaiah wrote these particular words by inspiration of God and they have helped me through my years of life and ministry:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2-3a
Love and Blessings!
