The Good News
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under the Heaven:
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sow;
A time to keep silent,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.
He has made everything beautiful in its time…[Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and 11a]
As I was reading this passage of Scripture, I was reminded of all the wonderful challenges I experienced this passed year. I remember having experienced at least, if not all of these times of change that help us grow, and fulfill the purpose for which God has created us. We all have experienced what King Solomon refers to as seasons of life. We have experienced new births, and sudden deaths. We have experienced laughter and sadness, joy and pain. We have enjoyed accomplishing goals, and the agony of defeat. Some us of have seen our loved ones shipped of to foreign shores, and feeling helpless because we know there may be the chance of never seeing them again. No matter who you are, where you live, your political position, cultural background, religious affiliation, gender or race. One factor remains. We all relate to what King Solomon says. There’s no getting away from the joys and perils of life. Sometimes life seems too rough to handle, and sometimes it makes no sense at all. God tells us in His Word that He makes all things beautiful in His time. No matter what we experience, we’re not alone. God is there, right beside us. He feels what we feel, and He experiences everything we experience. We can tell Him whatever is on our hearts, and not feel ashamed, or left out. He hears our prayers, and He answers everyone. Right now, at this very moment, we have the opportunity to experience His peace, love, and joy. No matter what life brings our way, we can handle it with God by our side. He is our Hope, and without Him, we live lives that are unfulfilled, and we are miserable people. Every day, is another chance to live out the purpose for which He created us. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to leave this world without accomplishing that task. I don’t want to be buried with the song, and the dream still left in me. God has given each of us a gift with which we are to bless other people, a gift that will make Him smile, every time we use it. This year, let us pray for one another. Pray that we all make a concerted effort to pursue and accomplish the purpose for which He made us. Pray that we all will find the strength to allow Him to perform His miracles through each of us, so that this world will be a better place in which to live.
