Pastor's Corner - 9/3

Change Is in the Air

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

You can feel it. Our children are getting ready to go back to school. Summer vacation is coming to an end. The days are getting a little shorter, and the evenings are starting to feel a little cooler. If you look carefully, you can even see the first signs of autumn in the leaves.

The calendar reminds us of something we sometimes forget: that time never stands still. It always marches forward.

We cannot stop it. We cannot slow it down. Yesterday is gone, today is passing, and tomorrow is already here.

The changing seasons remind us that our lives are changing too. Our children grow older. Our circumstances shift. Jobs change. Relationships change. Our churches change. Our bodies change. There are seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow, seasons of beginning and seasons of ending.

But there is something that does not change.

God.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Everything around us is temporary. The seasons change, but God's Word remains. Our circumstances change, but God's character remains. We change, but God's promises remain.

The writer of Hebrews says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

What an encouragement that is!

As we move into another season, we don't have to be afraid of change. We can embrace it knowing that the God who was faithful yesterday will be faithful today and will still be faithful tomorrow.

Perhaps this new season brings excitement for you. Perhaps it brings uncertainty. Maybe you are facing changes you wanted or changes you never expected.

Whatever the change may be, remember this: God is already in tomorrow.

You don't have to know everything that is coming. You simply need to trust the One who does.

Proverbs gives us this encouragement: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6

So, as the children return to school, as the evenings become cooler, and as the leaves begin to change, let the changing season serve as a spiritual reminder.

Time is moving forward.

Don't waste the days God has given you.

Love your family. Encourage someone. Forgive someone. Serve faithfully. Spend time in God's Word. Pray. Tell someone about Jesus. Make the most of the opportunities God places before you.

Paul reminds us: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15–16

We cannot hold on to yesterday.

We cannot live tomorrow today.

But we can be faithful today.

And when tomorrow comes, God's grace will already be there.

A thought to carry with you: The seasons change. Time moves forward. Life changes. But God remains faithful.

Whatever this next season holds for you, walk into it with confidence, not because you know what tomorrow will bring, but because you know who holds tomorrow.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

Father, thank You for the changing seasons that remind us that time is a gift from You. Help us not to take today for granted. Teach us to make the most of the time You have given us and to be faithful in whatever season of life we find ourselves. As things around us change, remind us that You do not change. When we are uncertain about tomorrow, help us trust You. When we are tempted to hold on to yesterday, help us embrace the opportunities You have placed before us today. Grant us wisdom, courage, and faith for this new season. Help us love our families well, serve others faithfully, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Thank You that whatever changes may come, You remain our faithful God.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.