As we begin this new series SEASONS OF LIFE, I would like to point out a few things.
Let’s take a quick look at the passage that we will be studying over the next several months. We all go through different things in our lives. Some of them good and some of them bad. But through them all we are strengthened by the Lord. He has a plan and a purpose for each one of them. Read the scriptures and then check out some key points below.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
A Time for Everything
3 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every [a]event under heaven—
2 A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
God is in control and He has a plan for everything that takes place in our lives and in the world around us. There is a time and a place for every event in the universe. From the creation of the world to the very end of time when the world will be no more as we know it, but a new heaven and earth.
A couple of key points as we take an overview of this passage.
1. Each event has a time and place. We do not know when but God does. He prepares us for what we need to know and helps us through each season.
2. We all will go through different seasons throughout our lives. Some will last a short time while others will last longer. Some times we go through several seasons at once. And sometimes the seasons are spread out. Only God knows when we will be going through a particular season.
3. For every season there is an opposite. For every negative there is a positive. For every positive there is a negative. Ultimately each season though is for our good. To draw us closer to God and trust Him. God’s peace through eternal life is the best thing ever.
God is sovereign and has a plan that is bigger than we are. Are we willing to let Him be in control and watch what He is going to do next? Trusting that He knows what He is doing?
Prayer
Lord, help us to remember that You are in control and You have a plan for each of us. You take us through the seasons of life and hold our hands through them all. Each day is a new challenge. Together we walk and learn to trust you. Help us not to get caught up in our circumstances but to turn to You and trust You through it all. Amen.