As I glanced out the window at the darkening sky, snowflakes gently drifted down to the ground. The fresh blanket of snow already coating the ground led me to believe several more inches may fall before the morning. We are in the middle of the winter season. I welcome the snow, in fact, I prefer a beautiful coating of sparkling snow coating the trees and ground to the drab bareness of the trees and lawn.

Where I live, we experience the beauty of each season. Though winter can be frigid, the pure whiteness of fresh fallen snow creates an enchanting winter wonderland. Spring invites fresh blossoms and spring rains that shout new life. The warmth of the summer calls everyone outdoors with an abundance of flowers and gardens. The autumn leaves always overwhelm with a beautiful display of colors. Toward the end of autumn, the chill of the wind is a reminder to grab a sweater, enjoy one last adventure before the season ends and the new one begins. Each season brings change, its own beauty, and always come to an end ushering in something new.

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon describes the contrasts of the seasons we experience in life.

“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…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

Isn’t life like that? Sometimes we sing, dance and laugh because of the joy life brings only to turn a corner into a time of grief, sorrow, and the absence of peace. Life can take us on such a roller coaster ride as we soar from incredible highs only to plumet to incredible lows in the matter of a week or even in a day. Seasons of life may take you through loneliness or loss, success and prosperity, frustration or confusion, depression and sorrow, joy, or delight, but Solomon reminds us there is a purpose to every season.

The seasons of life bring change. God “fearfully and wonderfully made us.” (Psalm 139:14a) He has a purpose and plan for each of us. Though He specially designed us, our design is not complete. As a potter works the clay, God continues to mold and make us, preparing us to do all of the tasks He has designed for us to do. He uses the different seasons we experience in life as a part of that molding and forming.

As we experience a difficult season, we grow in reliance, strength, and trust in Him. We gain knowledge and wisdom as we lean on God and learn from that season of life. His design for us is a little more complete, and the beauty of becoming more like Jesus shines through our lives. The seasons of life bring beauty when we allow the Holy Spirit to use that season to change our hearts. With growth and lessons learned, the season comes to an end, and He ushers in something new.

Are you in the midst of a difficult season? Or have you just come out of one? With the beauty of Christ clearly shining, others will be drawn to you. Maybe what you faced was hard, maybe it was just a new area of needed growth, but experiencing that season further prepares you for tasks God designed for you to do. With new growth and wisdom, you are enabled by God to help another in a way you could not have had you not gone through that season. You can empathize and encourage others because you have already experienced what they are now going through.

Remember, seasons do not last forever. As you seek God’s guidance, allow the Holy Spirit to use the experience to change your heart. As you draw close to Him, the beauty of the season will shine through you ushering in a new season and more opportunities to help others through a similar season to see Jesus.

*** Today marks 100 blogs I have shared with you! My prayer with each blog is that through the writings, you will be encouraged as you seek a closer walk with God.

I have written a 40-day devotional called Trust in Every Moment: A Journey Toward God. Through the devotional, I share the stories of biblical characters, people from the past, as well as real life examples of trusting God for each moment. You will come to the end of the devotional fully assured that God is trustworthy.

To celebrate 100 blogs, if you would like to purchase a signed copy of my book, email me at sperelka5@gmail.com. I will also slip in a pack of verse cards designed for use with the book. You can also see more information about my devotional and place an order there at susanperelka.com. ***