This morning it is a chilly 44 degrees as I write this. Each time the seasons change, I am reminded of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven.” The older I get, the more these words resonate with me. As the earth moves through its seasons, there are visible reminders of how He works in our lives. We are entering autumn, or fall as many call it, but before we reach the fall of our lives, we have spring and summer; then winter comes. Each one serves a purpose in creation, and each reflects something about our spiritual journey.
In spring, we plant seeds, but some seeds that have been dormant all winter long will pop up and surprise us. Now, they emerge and begin to grow. Spring reminds me of someone who has just received Jesus into their life. Their spiritual lives go from lifeless to growing. For the Christian, it is a season of renewal where hope is restored, and our faith grows. God’s work in us begins quietly under the surface before it is visible on the outside. It is a beautiful season when new life begins, and brilliant colors pop up everywhere as things bloom.
Summertime is a time for abundant growth. But things don’t grow without our Creator’s help. He allows longer daylight hours and early summer rain to soak in for later growth. It is also a time when our yards and gardens need our help. Our plants depend on us to give them what they need, and when that happens, watch out! Growth is coming. Spiritually, these can also be great times of growth. As we understand more of God’s word and we are faithful to it, we can see God’s blessings. Faithful obedience brings positive results. Sometimes we need help to grow. We get involved in discipleship groups, apply what we learn, and God responds by giving us a fruitful life.
Next, we see autumn. I love this season when things change color. The air is fresher as the humidity decreases in the south where I live. We still have abundant sunshine, but it is not so hot that it dries out the soil; it is just enough to take the chill off those cool mornings. It is also a time for leaves to fall. This is a time to take stock of all that God has done for us. It is a time to show our gratitude and let go of things that may be hindering our spiritual growth. Letting go of things or relationships that may hinder our spiritual growth may feel like a loss, but God is actually preparing us for something new. If I could choose, I would live in autumn longer than any other season. Autumn gives me the chance to see my kids and grandkids as adults. I get to see their spiritual growth and let go of the responsibilities spring and summer brought me. While I would love to live in autumn forever, God shows us that the next season is necessary.
In winter, the landscape grows quiet. Growth seems absent, yet important work continues beneath the surface. Many of us experience spiritual winters marked by waiting, uncertainty, or hardship. It often brings the death of friends and loved ones. We find ourselves going through some of the greatest changes we have ever faced. While we may be physically alone, God is nearer than ever. He may seem silent, but He is never absent. Winter teaches trust. We may not see it, but He is faithfully at work in us and around us. It gives us wisdom and reminds us of God’s faithfulness. Winter is also the last season of our lives. For a Christian, it is not the end, but the last step before we see Jesus. It should also be a time when you look forward to seeing Him. If you have spent time in the Word and time with Him, you will have a deep-seated joy that no one can take away as you get closer to Heaven.
No matter what season you find yourself in today, remember that God is Lord over them all. He wastes nothing. Every season has a purpose, and every season draws us closer to Him when we place our trust in His hands. We need to embrace whatever season of life we are in. When life feels like spring, it fills us with expectations. In summer, rapid growth should excite us so we can enjoy its bounty in autumn and show our gratitude. Winter is when God gives us the grace to let go of what hinders our walk with Him and fill us with rejoicing as we remember we are getting closer to our heavenly home.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
