We’ve seen the recent signs of fall. The leaves have turned and snow is coming our way. We recognize these signs of change. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 4, “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…”
We don’t necessarily like all those events. It’s difficult when the time to die comes for our loved ones. It’s tough when it’s time to uproot and move your family to a different place. And sometimes, when you’ve been wounded by someone, it’s difficult to heal. But did you notice there is a positive counter every difficult season. We may weep, but we also laugh. We will mourn at times, but we will also dance in celebration.
The last few months have brought change to Hope Community as well. We have cried and laughed and healed together during this time. And this fall, Pastor Doug, Ellen, and Elizabeth joined us. So as the leaves fade and winter comes, we are being challenged to embrace a new season as a church family. There will still be ups and downs, and we may not like everything about every season.
But God’s Word says that HE never changes. I pray that we will learn to trust and give thanks for God’s faithfulness. May we remember Paul’s instruction to the Philippians “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
Praying for you,
Pastor Cindy