Seasons of Change
In today's blog, Frank Figueroa points out that in the midst of the changing seasons in our calendar year, we can be encouraged by things that do not change.
As a resident of the state of Hawaii and someone new to working in the continental US, I have experienced a variety of changes over the past year―the change of environments and landscapes depending on where I am and the difference in culture in any given area, affecting the way people dress as well as their food choices.
But there is probably no more drastic change than the seasonal changes, especially while staying with family in Minnesota. Though the summers have been hot and dry, the winter (well, let’s just say it) was the most brutally frigid conditions I have ever experienced, especially while blowing snow out of the driveway in temperatures well below zero. But, as sure as the sun rose, spring came and brought relief from those extremely difficult conditions. And while I have to keep in mind that Minnesota will return to resembling Narnia in less than half a year, I can also rest assured that there are things within this same period that will remain constant.
The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there are many “seasons” that we will go through:
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break 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 cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away; A time to tear, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8)
According to this passage, we are told that some of the “seasons” in life are going to be absolutely brutal . . . a time to lose, a time of war, a time to kill, a time to weep, a time to die, a time to mourn. All of these have devastating consequences and will bring about life-altering changes. So, how on earth can we get through all of the insanely difficult seasons of change and still keep the joy of the Lord?
The key to not being overwhelmed is to have a mindset that focuses on the things in life that are constant and change not. In life’s tumultuous “seas,” the only sure way to keep our “ship” afloat is to be anchored to something solid that will not be moved. This, and this alone, can give us hope. Hebrews 6:19–20 reminds us, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Simply put, the anchor of our soul is Jesus, as He reminds us of unchangeable and unmovable truths, no matter what the season may bring. Let's look at a few of the solid foundations on which we, as children of God, are anchored.
GOD does not change.
“For I am the LORD, I do not change," (Malachi 3:6a).
" Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," (Hebrews 13:8).
" Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever," (Hebrews 13:8).
In a world full of constant changes, we are secured by our Heavenly Father and saved by our glorious Savior, neither of whom changes. They are solid and immovable. They are constant both in plan and purpose. They always accomplish Their good pleasure, and nothing can stop Them. No matter what life may bring, we can rest assured that we are children of a Father and redeemed by a Savior, Who are a Mighty Fortress that the world's seasonal circumstances cannot move.
His WORD does not change.
“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven,” (Psalm 119:89).
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever,” (Isaiah 40:8).
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away,” (Matthew 24:35).
“But the word of the LORD endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you,” (1 Peter 1:25).
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever,” (Isaiah 40:8).
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away,” (Matthew 24:35).
“But the word of the LORD endures forever. Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you,” (1 Peter 1:25).
Aren’t we grateful that God’s Word is fixed and sure? Many times in life, people change the rules or try to manipulate the meaning of things, leading only to confusion. But God has spoken clearly and decisively, so there is no ambiguity or relative ideas. Because of this, we have contained for us in God’s Word truth that is absolute and authoritative. It is also 100% applicable and relevant, helping us deal with all of the seasonal storms that life may bring.
His LOVE does not change.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.' Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." --Romans 8:31–39
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. --John 10:27–29
These passages are clear that God loves us―so much so that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so that we may be forgiven of our sins and brought into a relationship with our heavenly Father. And once we become children of God, His love only deepens to the point that we can emphatically claim that nothing can separate us from His love, and no one will ever be able to steal us away from Him. What a glorious promise!
His FAITHFULNESS to His PROMISES and His PEOPLE do not change.
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. --1 Corinthians 1:4–9
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. --1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. --Philippians 1:6
As children of God, we are on an incredible journey. While it is true that we will have challenges along the way, it is also true that God will see to it that the good work that He started will be brought to completion. Every promise He has made will come to pass. This includes the guarantee of eternal life and the joy of a heavenly home with Him on that great and glorious day. So, until that point, we can just tie a knot at the end of our rope and continue to hang on, as the surest way to cope with the seasons of change is by anchoring ourselves to the things that are immovable and do not change.
To learn more about Frank or to book him as a speaker at your upcoming events, please click HERE.
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