Changing of the Season

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (ESV)

Where I’m from, we get a full four seasons every year.  However, winter always seems to last the longest.  It can start as early as October and last until May.  The other seasons are so much sweeter because of it, but that doesn’t always make winter easy.

It can feel like our spiritual lives go through seasons of change like this, as well.  There are times where we feel like the sun is shining and our faith is blooming.  We may feel the storms are coming, but we get through them and are better for it on the other side.  However, there are also times when winter comes and everything seems to be dead and buried under a couple of feet of snow.  The storm seems to be constant for months on end, never finding relief from the wind and cold.  You may wonder if it will ever end.  Don’t be discouraged, you’re not alone.  It’s easy to feel alone when all you see is your own season of struggle, but I can confidently tell you that there are others around you who feel the same way.  Like they’re in a spiritual drought or winter and just can’t find relief from the oppressive spiritual storms.

At times like these, the most important thing to do is to keep giving yourself what you know you need.  Keep feeding on the word of God, keep seeking the living water, draw close to other believers, and keep calling out to God even though the spiritual winds around you seem to drown out your cries for help.  He hears you.

It may be hard now, but look for the beauty in your season.  Every season has beauty in it, even winter.  The beauty may even be in this verse in 2 Corinthians — what we go through now, we go through so that we can comfort others who go through the same thing later.  Don’t despise your situation.  Look for what you can take away and share with others to encourage them.  And always remember, every season comes to an end eventually. Keep watching for the changing of the season.