A Time for Everything...

It’s OCTOBER! Can you believe it? There is nothing like the crispness of the air and the falling leaves of autumn to signal that change is in process.

Change is hard, though. We get used to certain ways and we like them! There is comfort and stability in the familiar. We know what to expect and can plan our reactions…at least we like to think we can. But change is not to be avoided. It is all around: in nature, in family, in work, in faith fellowships, and in us.

I find myself turning to Ecclesiastes when I think about change. Chapter three tells us there is “a time for everything.” The Amplified Bible translation says, “There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven” (verse 1). When applied to change, we find it adds some interesting caveats to think about!

Verses two through eight elaborate:

“A time to be born and a time to die;

A time to plan and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear 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 throw away stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.

A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to keep silent and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace.”

Every time I read these verses, I have new questions for sure. But I also find much comfort. To realize that the world has its ebbs and flows, just like the ocean tides, seems to provide a sense of stability amidst change.

I often laughingly say that my life is lived with “my feet firmly planted in midair.” While sameness is certainly comfortable and desirable, flexibility and resilience are the foundation for a successful, reasonable (and interesting) life. Learning to relax in the middle of change is not easy. Resting on God’s promises can be challenging as well. I think Dr. Mark Hale’s Godly definition of optimism offers us help in dealing with change. “Optimism is the unwavering expectation that our loving God is working every situation for our future good.” That aligns with God’s Word in Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time” (Amplified Bible).

May you find peace, hope, rest, and life in this season of change. 

Promises

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Let us not give up in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God has given us many promises in His Word. I find them both reassuring and disturbing! Think about it...if He's promising something as a result of something, it means the something must happen to bring about the need for the promise!

CS Lewis, writer of The Chronicles of Narnia, is one of my favorite authors. The following discussion takes place in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. “Aslan is a lion - the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh," said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he - quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr. Beaver …"Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

We had a canvas on our family room wall with a lion and the phrase "He isn't safe, but He is good" printed on it. It served as a constant reminder that we may not always know what God is up to, but we can count on His goodness. And, we can count on His promises.

As I have been meeting more of you and hearing your stories...and working through the 20 year history of Alaska FCNs, I see signs all throughout of the good you have done and are doing. In so many cases, there are even wonderful examples of harvests. There is no doubt that, over the past few years, COVID-19 has taken a toll on all areas of our lives. But, as we look back to God's promises, we find at least these two important ones that can bring us hope in tiredness and sadness. We know that a harvest is coming if we don't give, and we know that He is working all things for His glory and our good.

Further, He knows each of us, exactly where we are and what we need. His promises are for each of us! Take them to heart!