Looking outside my window, I see how the colours of the earth is changing and I realise, that the season has turned, and autumn has arrived. The weather is changing, and temperatures are dropping. I start pulling a jacket closer when going out, with my wool hat and scarf close by. I love summer, but there is something special about the changing of seasons. Yes, it is sometimes uncomfortable, and we are not sure what to expect, hence making the coordination of for example events, somewhat difficult.
However, when I look at the change in seasons, like from summer to autumn, I realise the power of God in it. When a leaf is ready to fall, it will fall, and no one can stop it. We must prepare ourselves for the changing of seasons for they come four times a year. How many times have we not been in a situation where we don’t prepare for example for winter and then when the cold strikes, everyone rush to the shops to buy winter clothes? It is best to be prepared instead of being caught off guard.
Ready or not, just as seasons change in weather, so will seasons change in our daily lives. The question is, how well are we prepared for the changes, the assignments God gives us, the storms and the challenges? Some say, they will deal with it as it comes. That might be the case, as things do happen when we least expect it. However, with no time to spare, what is their point of reference to fall back on?
For me, it is about being prepared all the time, whether I know something is coming or not. If we sometimes struggle to prepare even for the things that we know are coming, how do we then prepare for the things we don’t know is coming? It is all about spending time with God and in His Word. In Psalm 119:105, David writes: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” David also did not know every detail of His life, but He knew the One who made Him and who holds the key to the future. I also want to share with you the Word from the Book of Proverbs Chapter 3. Although the whole chapter applies, I want to highlight verses 1 – 10:
”My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
God is telling us how to prepare ourselves for today, tomorrow and our future, inclusive of good and tough times, storms and challenges. What are the main challenges and storms that people face daily? Health, happiness, finances, work etc. In Proverbs God tells us what to do and what we gain from that:
Action: My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart.
Gain: They will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
Action: Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Gain: Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Action: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him.
Gain: He will make your paths straight.
Action: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
Gain: This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Action: Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.
Gain: Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine
I have used only a part of the Bible, to prove that the Bible is in fact our manual, in preparing ourselves in the best feasible way, to succeed in life. I know life is difficult, even when we are prepared; but the more we read and execute God’s Word in our lives, the better we will be able to deal with what life throws at us.
Love in Christ, Princess K