God speaks to us through His Word and through His creation. We are all aware that there is perfect order of creation in which God so beautifully demonstrates His care for all of nature. Matt: 6:30 tells us, "And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He more surely care for you?"
Many people today are struggling to survive. Sometimes we just need to refresh our faith in God's providence with the beauty of His Word and His world. Nothing is more powerful in meeting our needs than the Word of God. When push comes to shove, and the going gets really rough and rocky, there is nothing in this world that can settle you down, bring you peace, give you comfort and hope as does God's Word. We know God and His Word NEVER change .... they are the same yesterday, today and forever. Heb. 13:8.
And in God's creation, although it changes by season, it does so very systematically year after year after year. Just as there are seasons in nature, there are cycles and patterns of change in our lives, each having its own purpose. Remember, God never changes. His faithfulness, mercy and love are evidenced in all the seasons of our lives. He grants us strength for each new day while providing the assurance that all of our tomorrows are filled with hope and security. Nature itself is a bold witness to the steadfast care of His hand.
We can compare God's seasons in nature with the seasons of our life.
Let's start with Spring ... A Time of Hope. Spring is a chance to begin anew. As we plant seeds in the garden things begin to grow. In our Christian life, as we plant seeds based on the promises of His Word, we know a time of beauty and bounty is inevitable. Stay in His Word, pray and attend church regularly.
Summer ... A Time of Faith. Our garden begins to grow in the rich soil and we see the vegetables, fruit and flowers. In our Christian life we get encouragement with the promises of provision for our needs as we grow in the richness of God's Word. Become active in Christian work; do what He wants you to do.
Fall ... A Time to Harvest. We pick and harvest our gardens and lay up the rewards of our labors for the winter time. In the Christian life we experience the riches of His blessings as our inheritance as we harvest crops grown in His field. These are the fruits of our labors and gifts given to and used by God to further the Gospel and the Christian way of life and walk here on earth.
Now let's talk about Winter ... A Time of Surrender. In God's creation all nature surrenders to this season. Like it or not, the trees are bare, it becomes colder, ice and snow come. Winter can be hard, tough and depressing. But it comes. And in the Christian life, during the winters that come to us, we experience circumstances we would not choose. But God promises victory through darkness and gives us strength for each trial. In all the unexpected tough times, God's continuous guidance is always present to those who allow Him to be Lord of their lives.
In the winter times of life we must be very careful for the same things that happen in nature can happen to us spiritually. We can become cold, exhausted physically and mentally, and become depressed and thus become barren spiritually. Remember, whatever we are going through, God knows when enough is enough. If you are tempted to question His leading, remind yourself that He thinks of you all the time; and He will not make you take one step beyond what you can endure. Many times we feel we just can't go on, but when that next step comes He will so strengthen us that we shall be able to go on; or, He will call a sudden halt, and you will not have to take it at all.
During spring, summer and fall--plant, water, and harvest from Him and His Word for the winter. And if you are in a winter experience, get in from the cold of the winter blasts and trials, come close to God, place yourself under His protective wing; hide yourself in His Word. Use this time to let Christ build His character in you as He teaches you and loves you. He knows the beginning to the end of this time of struggle and pain and He will make a way for you where there appears no way. Let us go on and trust fully in His Word for guidance and stand firm on His promises. A promise to remember for all seasons is found in Jer. 32:27, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for me?"
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