As we enter the rainy season in Oregon, it serves as a reminder of the natural rhythms God has woven into creation—not just in the changing weather, but in the patterns of our own lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Each season, whether in nature or in life, has its purpose and brings a unique opportunity for growth, reflection, and renewal. Some seasons are marked by joy and abundance, while others bring challenge and discomfort. Yet through them all, God is present, leading us and helping us to grow in Him.
At the start of the fall season, we are surrounded by the beauty of change: the crisp air; the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold; and the gentle falling of leaves. It’s a season of transition, a time when nature prepares for rest after the growth of spring and the abundance of summer. And then…it gets colder, rainier, and darker. The leaves turn brown and we see also the pain that change can bring. Fall is a powerful teacher concerning the spiritual and life seasons we go through. It reminds us that change, while sometimes bittersweet, is part of God’s plan for our growth and renewal.
The cold of winter can sometimes feel harsh and lifeless, but essential work is taking place beneath the surface. In our spiritual lives, these times of stillness may feel like silence or even abandonment, but they are seasons where God invites us to draw nearer to Him. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It’s in the quiet of winter that our roots grow deeper, finding nourishment in God’s Word and presence. Just as trees in winter prepare for new growth by strengthening their roots, we too find strength and renewal during times when everything on the surface seems dormant or dead.
The new colors of spring are a picture of resurrection: of hope fulfilled and life renewed. After enduring the rain and the cold, we finally see the vibrant evidence of growth and the beauty that comes from perseverance. In spring, we celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promises. It is a season of answered prayers, fresh starts, and abundant joy. We are reminded of Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” The flowers that bloom after the severe cold and rain are a testament to God’s faithfulness; they remind us that no hardship is wasted when placed in His hands.
And then summer is often seen as the culmination of growth and a time of enjoyment. It’s a reminder to cherish the blessings God has given us and to be grateful for the journey that led us there. The warmth and abundance of summer teach us to praise God not only in times of need but in times of plenty. These joyful seasons remind us that God’s goodness is ever-present, encouraging us to give thanks for the fruit that comes from patient endurance.
Every season in life has its purpose and is part of the greater story God is telling through us. Whether you find yourself in a time of change, a time of cold silence, or rejoicing in the bloom of spring, or joy and abundance of summer, trust that God is with you. Ask Him to show Himself to you in each season—how He’s working, where He’s moving. He is using each moment to draw you closer to Him and to shape you into who you are meant to be. May we learn to embrace each season, finding joy and purpose in the fact that God is at work in our lives.
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