Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
People are creatures of habit. We prefer doing things a regular times. This might be hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.
For example, we don't usually eat all of our food for the day at 8 am then go without food for the rest of the day. We eat three meals – morning, noon, and evening.
There are some things that need to be done seasonally. For example, crops are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.
Even the 100 or so years of our lives are divided into "seasons," each with its own group of activities and responsibilities: childhood with its games, youth with its puppy love, adulthood with its work and family, and retirement with its leisure.
Some seasons are of our own choosing. We choose to attend a specific college or work at a particular job.
Other seasons are chosen for us. Our parents choose the elementary school or summer camp we attend.
Many of the seasons in our lives are chosen for us by God. God chose the time of our birth. He controls the years we spend as a child, as a teen, and as an adult. God, Himself, will decide when the seasons of our lives will come to an end.
Throughout the Bible we read about people in various seasons of their lives, often chosen and directed by God. One excellent example is the life of Moses.
Moses was born at a time when his people's, the Israelites', enslavement to Egypt was peaking. He spent 80 years preparing to rescue his people and lead them out of Egypt. This season was made up of two smaller seasons: 40 years as a prince in Egypt and 40 years as a shepherd, isolated in Midian, and was followed by a third season of 40 years as leader and guide of the Israelites.
We may know when some seasons in our lives start. Other seasons may catch us by surprise. Either way we can know that "...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).We can also know that God is with us during every season in our lives to guide us, to help us, to strengthen us, and to give us love, hope, courage, and patience.
I hope you will allow God to direct the seasons of your life. They will be richer and more fulfilling if you do.
" There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1
Prayer: Heavenly Father, In Jesus' name. Amen.