“To everything, there is a season…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Changes in life can challenge us. Although some transitions are smooth and joyful, others suddenly come at you like a sudden storm that leaves destruction in its path. We all have these seasons in life. The outcome is not based on the event, but on how you deal with the event. 

Maturity or misery is the outcome of managing life’s challenges.

The reality is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 are so right. To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.

How do we handle life’s challenges? It isn’t very reasonable to expect life always to be happy and joyful. As we get older, our bodies begin to wear out and become a challenge. We enjoy our kids as they have kids. We move forward in this life toward the eternity with Christ, which will last forever.

Handling Transitions

The first step of successful transitions is to accept these transitions as normal for everyone. It is normal to have emotional pain for a season. The Bible says, “Blessed are those who mourn…for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4“. A recent sermon I heard stated “there are events in your life you will never get over…but you can get through them. “Unexpected tragedies happen to us, and we never get over them, but we can with God’s help get through them. I remember the phone call from my sister that our dad died in a car wreck. We did not get over this tragedy; we got through it by God’s Grace. His Grace was sufficient for our emotions and times of grief.  

Allow the changes to do a work in you.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Know the God is at work in your time of struggle if you have faith in Him and love Him. This verse applies to those who “love Him.” Allow your love toward God and your faith in the Holy Spirit to produce strength and hope for the future. Embrace times of weeping to bring healing and sharing of love with others around you. 

Perseverance

Romans 5:3-4 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” It is the difficult times of life that produce deep, strong roots of faith and trust in God. As you mature in life’s struggle, you become a person of strength for others younger in life who need direction. Teach them to live life’s transitions in the Godly way.

Allow God’s purposes to unfold

God has a plan for your life. During that life, transitions will take place. Difficulties and seasons of joy and peace will dot your life. Be patient in these events and trust in God. Follow God and allow His plan to unfold in your life. Getting through the good and bad times are part of God’s path. They produce strength, hope, and faith for an eternal future.  

Maybe this is a difficult time for you personally. Certainly, this year is a challenge for us all. How should we manage in this time of transition? Love God, trust God, be patient, allow His Grace to deepen roots of faith and hope in your life. There will be some things you will never get over…but you can get through. May your lightnside grow bright, especially in the darkness.