See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

Song of Solomon 2:11 (NIV)

David’s Wednesday Word:

It is so hot right now in Kansas! I thought we were done with 100-degree temperatures. Apparently not.

Still, despite the heat, I know summer is coming to an end. Having grown up in Texas, I am accustomed to high temperatures. We get them here in Kansas too, but I also know cooler weather will arrive soon.

In Texas, we joked that there were two seasons: “hot” and “not so hot”! I like having four distinct seasons in Kansas. There is regular change. Summer gives way to fall, fall to winter, winter to spring, and then the cycle begins again.

It is a fact—even a biblical fact—that seasons change.

Solomon almost seems to shout, “See!” The winter has passed. The rains are over. A new season has arrived.

For me, that is a reminder of the sustaining and providential involvement of God in His creation. The seasons do not remain the same forever.

Neither do the seasons of our lives.

Some seasons of my life have been very hard. Just like the large hail we experienced last week, sometimes the storms of life can be frightening, damaging, and even dangerous.

So how do I get through those storms?

First, I must remember that every season is temporary. Just as Solomon could say, “the winter is past,” I can trust the God who created the seasons through both the challenges and the opportunities of life.

I have gone through death, illness, injury, heartache, financial loss, broken relationships, and job loss. I have made parenting decisions I regret and faced painful accusations from people I respected.

But I have also experienced incredible blessings: love, relationships, memories, faith, purpose, beauty, growth, and the everyday joys of life.

So what do I focus on?

When I am going through a difficult season, I remind myself that the temporary things of this life will eventually pass away. At the same time, the blessings God gives me point toward something greater—an eternity with Him that will never pass away.

When I focus on what lasts, God gives me strength to walk through what does not.

My faith in Jesus gives me an eternal perspective for the season I am living in right now.

Whatever season you are in today, remember: the season will change.

God will not.

Prayer: Lord God Almighty, some seasons of life are painful and difficult. Help me trust You through every one of them. Give me strength to face what is temporary by keeping my eyes on what is eternal.

— David Beauchamp
Temporary Ministries