Appointed Seasons

What happens, when it happens, where it happens and why it happens are all under God’s control for His purpose in fulfilling His plan.

 Ecclesiastes​​ 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

 …and a time to heal… (Ecclesiastes 3:3b)

 It is the middle of September and the nights are staying cool even as the days remain warm. ​​ There is​​ expectation​​ of the​​ fall​​ season approaching​​ and​​ after the heat of summer, I am looking forward to wearing a sweater again. ​​ I totally​​ enjoy the changes in our weather in the high desert where we live. ​​ Each season has its pluses and minuses. ​​ For instance, with fall beckoning at the door, cooler days, leaves changing color, the approaching holiday season, and​​ the​​ warm spices that go along with pumpkin and maple are anticipated. ​​ I can almost smell the cinnamon and apples bubbling in a​​ latticed​​ pie! ​​  But, the change in temperature also brings piles of leaves that need attention, often strong winds, and a rise in colds and flu symptoms. ​​​​ And if you have empty fields around, the critters who are trying to find concealed nesting areas for the coming cold, have to be managed or you will find a family of rodents in the attic. ​​​​ 

 The Bible says there is an appointed time for everything. ​​ What happens, when it happens, where it happens and why it happens are all under God’s​​ control for His purpose in fulfilling His plan. ​​​​ As I migrated to this section of scripture in Ecclesiastes, my eyes focused on a particular phrase in verse three. ​​ It reminded me there is an appointed time for all things including healing. ​​ In the context, this is healing for the nation of Israel. ​​ But, looking at the literal words, it is a time of physical healing or mending. ​​ As I​​ am ‘out of commission’ physically at this time, I am learning to appreciate once again what it means to be still. ​​ Stillness​​ is not idleness or laziness. ​​ It is remaining calm, cessation of action, trusting in God all the more in the season you find yourself. ​​ God has​​ intended​​ ‘seasons’​​ for each of us and allots to each of us the gift of time. ​​ What do we do with the season and time we are in? ​​ Do we fight against it or do we grow through it? ​​​​ Do we make use of what God gives us or give up because of our inability? ​​​​ Change, or seasons are inevitable and help​​ us to understand that our life on earth holds​​ no​​ permanence, it is constantly changing​​ – heaven is our​​ lasting, permanent​​ destination. ​​ 

 We can hold our breath and wait for some seasons to pass yet we are then missing out on the blessings contained in calamity and adversity. ​​ Matthew Henry’s Commentary says that ‘the clearest sky will be clouded, and the most clouded sky will clear up’. ​​ My desire is to grasp each season as an opportunity to do every good work ordained to me for God. ​​ The season of healing may be spiritual or physical. ​​ God will​​ provide in either case. ​​ I love the truth in a familiar hymn –

 “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside. Great is Thy Faithfulness …”

​​  Lamentations​​ 3:21-23​​ says,​​ “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.​​ The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. [They] are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness”.

 Time and seasons belong to God. ​​ In all things He is faithful. ​​ Let’s strive to be faithful in every season of our lives and in the time He gives.

 

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.