Greetings!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. NIV
One of the greatest blessings of my life is that I get to meet so many people. I have moved and ministered all over America and the world, and I am often awestruck at the number of people God knits into our lives and I am grateful to not only know some of their story but to get to be a part of it.
With all of the people God puts in our path we have been given a front row seat to view numerous seasons of life. Really a better description at times would be a “frontline” view in the battles to life. We have wept and worshipped, celebrated births, and lives that passed. We have sacrificed and received, lent a hand, and received help from others. We have encouraged, listened, and learned so many lessons. At times we have been like Moses needing support in our weariness and other times Aaron or Hur holding other’s up through the fights and fires of life.
Have you ever sat and thought about all the people who are not only in your life now but have been a part of your journey? Pause for a moment and think about all of the moments and mountains you have prayed through, and all the valleys and victories God has seen you through. Who did God bring to pray for you and with you? Who have you interceded for in travailing prayer? Please take your time; remember the victories, and don’t rush through even the painful memories. God was with you and is still with you pouring out His comfort and strength on the hardest of days and tenderest memories. Remember His faithfulness, release the pain and disappointments and profess your faithfulness in this new day and season of life.
God is Lord of all the seasons of life. Whether we are caring for our children, our parents, or grandchildren; He is your strength in all seasons. In sickness and in health, in much and in need, while we are waiting for the prodigal to return or the relationship, promotion, and His answer to our prayer and as we walk by faith.
Today’s Scripture reminds us that, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” We cannot know what the next moment brings but God has already prepared it; He sees the end from the beginning, and from heaven’s view it will be beautiful with enduring Kingdom glory coming from the hand and heart of God.
Would you please join me in prayer?
Lord as we step into Spring and see the beauty of flowers blooming and leafless trees bursting with branches of bright new leaves, we are reminded that the barrenness of winter is part of the process of the beauty and fruitfulness of the other seasons. In Your design every event has its time. In You every pain has gain as we are deeply rooted and are being built up in You. I commit to exalt You in every season of life knowing You are Lord of all and love me always and forever.
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President, National Day of Prayer Task Force