Changing of the Seasons

The first week of September in Texas brought a brief reprieve from the brutal heat of summer. The one day of overcast cloudy skies, breezy winds and cooler temps was a welcome relief. The changing of the seasons is generally a slow subtle progression. Temperatures gradually shift, the sun slowly makes its adjustments and almost without thinking, we are in a different season.

Seasonal changes in life are that way, too. Many times, we find ourselves in a brutal heated

battle, struggling to stay afloat with varied challenging circumstances that will not quit. Then we get a break from the stress that provides a little glimmer of hope. The shift begins to happen in our life. Before we know it, everything has changed.

The challenge is to hang in there when the temperatures flare and it seems nothing is going right. For those in the world, they turn to addictions to hide from the pain. That might be a temporary escape, but that response only creates more pain in the long run. Clinging to the truth of who God is will carry you through any storm. Trusting in the reality of his character and leaning hard into the Word will give you real hope.

I recently met with a Christian single woman who has unbelievable challenges ahead of her. She is making the turn, getting training for a new career, but the heat is still on until she can reap the benefits of the new position. As we got on our knees before the throne of God, she poured out her heart, her disappointment, her anger and fears. We prayed for several hours as she asked God to show her that he still loves her. Within 30 minutes a friend of mine contacted me asking for this single mom’s name, offering an opportunity of part-time work. A glimpse of relief from the storm.

The season is turning for her. She needed someone to help pull her out of the storm, to realign her on the right path. She is going to make it. Meanwhile, trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Prov 3:5-6 We don’t always understand why the seasons are so hard. God doesn’t tell us we will understand. He just says, “Trust me.”