For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what 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 seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, 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 for war, and a time for peace. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Here in Northeast Texas I’ve recently been noticing once again all the beautiful colors changing all around us as autumn continues to pass the baton into the hands of winter. I dearly love this time of the year and season for not only the gorgeous changing scenery but most importantly for all we celebrate from Thanksgiving on into Christmas.

I always find it interesting every year as we approach this season how it can bring out the best in people. There is something almost miraculous that occurs within most people during this time as people tend to be more courteous, selfless, and friendly  to their “neighbor” whomever that neighbor may be?

Yes, I can almost hear some of your thoughts and I will also certainly agree as well that this season can also bring out the worst in people. Just this past weekend, I read a few stories and watched a few video clips following the black Friday sales. I’m always amazed at the extreme measures some folks will go to in order to save a few dollars and how they will treat others just to get that “bargain”. I have two words to share in light of this: “Online Shopping”! But that is whole other revival series and not my intent for today’s writing.

Just as there are different seasons in the year, there are also different seasons to a believer’s life. Those that have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior. It is so important to understand these seasons. If you don’t understand the season of life you might be in, you might not respond correctly in it and you will not get the best out that God intended of it all. Most often, I believe we as Christians are in the walking season. The season where God has called us to “walk out our faith” day in and day out. Furthermore, we are called to be ready “in and out of season” as written in 2 Timothy 4:2: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.

There is also a season of standing. Those times when we are to stand firm in our faith with boldness, courage, and not back down according to our convictions as believers. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 16:13 to Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. More than ever my friend, I believe God is calling us to rise up in our society, in our jobs, our homes and even our churches. The enemy knows his time is short and he is firing every wicked dart and arrow our way. But be encouraged and rejoice for the battle belongs to the Lord and He will help us defeat and triumph over our every enemy that attempts to destroy all that God has called us to be and do.

There are also seasons of great joy that God blesses us with. The times when God I think looks down and says, “I love you my son or daughter”. Here’s a little something special “just because”. I think about the birth and arrival of our grandson a little two years ago and also the announcement from our son recently of their little blessing that will be here next April. Thank you Jesus!

Lastly, there are those seasons in our lives that appear unexpectedly. Those cold, dark seasons that seem to rush in without prior warning or expectation. I’m sure most of you if not all can surely testify as I and recall many of those seasons right now. When God allows these seasons in our lives, often times it can be be very difficult if ever to understand why God has even allowed them to come. I think about a family right I’ve been praying for in which the mother is battling cancer. Another gentleman I had the honor of praying for just this past week that told me he had just gotten out of prison three months ago and what lies ahead for him.

My friend, life is about seasons. Seasons of joy, sadness, trials, victories, tears and triumph. But you know what. Jesus himself experienced each one of these long before you or I were ever born. Hebrews 4:15 says: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus has surely walked in each of our shoes so to speak and knows full well what you and I will ever experience this side of heaven. Finally, He says “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

May each us continue to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus each and every day as the seasons around us continue to change both visible and invisible in our lives.

Remain Blessed,