As winter hangs on, I find myself longing for spring. I’m eagerly anticipating warmer weather, tulips, and all things pastel. But I’ve been wondering, am I too eager for the next season? Am I missing the beauty of the here and now, like the way the snow glitters in the sunlight, or the magnificent sunsets God paints in the evening? Yes, sometimes I am.
This can be true in life, too. I’m getting to the age now (can’t believe I’m using that phrase) where I can look back on my life and see definite seasons. There were seasons of hard times that I wished would pass. There were things that I longed for so much so that I didn’t keep my eyes focused on what God had in front of me.
Can you relate?
I wish I could tell you that your life will soon be rainbows and sunshine, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Life isn’t as predictable as spring, summer, fall, and winter, is it? Here’s one thing I know, though: Your season has a purpose.
Scripture teaches us that the Lord works out everything to its proper end (Proverbs 16:4), and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Friend, God wastes nothing.
If you’re in a difficult season right now, it will likely pass with time. However, let me be clear that Jesus didn’t die to give us worldly happiness. He doesn’t promise you will get the job promotion or have the baby you’ve been longing for. But, He does call us to cast our anxiety on Him (1 Peter 5:7) and to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Notice Paul tells us to consider it joy. It’s not naturally joyful to face a trial, but we should find joy in knowing we will be strengthened in our faith through it.
So, I encourage you to get on your knees and in your Bible. Your hardship is God’s invitation to a closer relationship with Him. I can think of nothing more beautiful about this season and no greater purpose for it.