A Time To
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up 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 together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
INSIGHT
Time is one of the most unstoppable forces in this life. Despite our best efforts, there is no slowing it down. King Solomon saying, “there is a time for everything” highlights the tension of time and the peace and nervousness it brings.
A time for everything means that life is full of moments I will enjoy, full of moments that will challenge me, full of moments that will encourage me, full of moments I will feel lonely, and so much more. One of the subtle truths of Solomon’s words is that all seasons will come to an end. Rather than viewing this reality as a warning, we should view this as an opportunity to prepare our hearts. In a broken world, it is amazing we still get caught off guard by the ups and downs of life.
We should never belittle the ups and downs, in fact, we should make the most of them. Solomon’s words speak to soaking up every moment of the good seasons and making the most of the tough ones. We can make the most of every single moment is because we know that God will not waste a single moment. He uses everything to create a tapestry of redemption and love.
The good, bad, and ugly you face in life are used by God to create something better. The way Paul wrote it is: “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Numerous Bible stories capture moments from Solomon’s list and we can witness how those individuals clung to the hope that God would use the season they faced.
We will not always see God working in the present because of our limited perspective and understanding. But think of all the times you got a week, a month, a year, or two removed from your season and suddenly, you clearly see the incredible work of God.
Jesus will not abandon us because life gets good, gets worse, or even gets ugly. He embraced it all in His life so that He could provide redemption from sin. Jesus knows a thing or two about seeing God work for the greater good. He walks with us to show the world that same power.
REFLECTION
What seasons has God already proven Himself faithful to work your life to a greater purpose?
In tough seasons, recall how far God has brought you. He will faithfully continue to carry you through.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for being a God of redemption. Help my heart to trust in You in every season. You are always working, and You are always with me. I can trust You in all things. Let my life be a reflection to this world of how good You are. Thank You for being who You are Father, and I pray this in Your name, Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.
