SEASONS

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

1 Peter 1

…There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.

Notice it says, “even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith” That phrase "a little while" literally means a season.  The KJV says, “Though now for a SEASON, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.”

At my house a “new season” has begun.  Samantha, my middle child, left for college this past weekend.  She is off to CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY to start her first “season” of work toward her dream of being a VET.  For my youngest, today marks the start of “Junior High”, that “awkward” season of growth, change and challenge.  My wife finished orientation last week in order to enter into her NEW SEASON of study as she pursues a doctorate. My oldest is four classes from a Nursing Degree so her "season of school" is winding down. 

And while these “seasons” offer hope and promise and excitement, there are some of you who are “praying for a fresh season” for you have just gone through a BRUTALLY difficult one.  You need the encouragement and are welcoming the prospect of a fresh turn; “a wonderful joy ahead” as Peter eludes.

Trust that truth!

That tells me and you that the rough season IS going to end.  It is not forever. And for those who have been engaged in a rough one, that is GOOD NEWS.  It is GOOD news that eventually every season ends. 

Just remember… Winter ends. Spring ends. Summer ends...every season has a beginning, and every season has an end.

So for you who are in a trial, maybe the fight of your life and feeling the weight of it, grieving because of it, take heart, this season will pass.  Things are going to change.  It may not seem like it, but trust GOD.

Ecclesiastes 3

To EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven…

Even if you are not one of those experiencing that type of trial today, I am confident you have gone through such a season, and it is likely that you will again. So for when you do, remember and be encouraged.  GOD's Word wants you—and me—to remember it is always for just a “little while.”

Revelation 21:5

...I make all things new.

Even seasons.

 

I love you all.

Freedom Church

 

Pastor GDelaney