Seasons Change. Nothing's Wrong

“To everything (turn, turn, turn), There is a season (turn, turn, turn), And a time to every purpose under heaven.” So goes the opening chorus of the famous song written by Pete Seeger. Such is the timeless nature of Ecclesiastes. Paul tells the church in Rome to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Yes, there is a time for everything and wisdom recognizes the moment and finds peace in the seasons of life.

It seems like there is a lot of transitioning happening in people’s lives these days. Just this month, I’ve talked to three missionaries who are facing a time of transition. I find myself often identifying with George Banks (Steve Martin) on Father of the Bride. I often long for the way things were and am hesitant to embrace change. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” as the old saying goes. And yet, life is not like that. Winter comes once a year whether you like it or not…whether you’re ready for it or not. I’m not as young as I used to be. I’m guessing that you’re not either. But transition, like winter, is not something to be prayed away, but something to be embraced. There is no growth without death. There is no spring without winter.

James, the half-brother of Jesus, writes in his little book of wisdom to, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (Js. 1:2-4). I get it, easier said than done. But if the ultimate goal of our lives is to be conformed into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), then that puts everything, even our trials, even our transitions, into a different perspective. Being conformed hurts sometimes…maybe most of the time. Be encouraged today! God is working something marvelous in you.

"For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven."
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)