November 23

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Biblical Insight
Ecclesiastes 3 can help us to better understand the history of humanity and the nation of Israel. Creation was a time to be born. The people were planted in Egypt, and God plucked them up in the Exodus. In the Wilderness Wanderings, they sought the Promised Land and lost out due to unbelief. God used kings to build up the nation, but then it was broken apart when Israel and Judah split into two kingdoms. The Exile was a time to tear, and the Return was a time to sew. Then Jesus came to stop our weeping, mourning, and losing by giving us laughter, peace, and love.

Daily Devotion
A young pastor’s wife went through a particularly terrifying season with her health. Mentally, she was overwhelmed, and then her physical strength became taxed as well. She could feel her body starting to go downhill. She went to the doctor expecting some basic blood work to answer all her questions and perhaps a good dose of vitamins to fix all her problems. However, it was not that simple. The condition with her health would not be discovered until nearly a year later. She sat in the doctor’s office feeling completely hopeless. She knew something was wrong, but they couldn’t find the problem.

When the doctor realized how distressed she was becoming, he stopped all the medical language and pulled his chair up in front of her. With a kind and comforting voice, he said, “You know, we all have seasons.” Although his words held truth, he spoke more than just wisdom to her on that day; he spoke comfort. The Lord showed her that this season would be difficult, but it wouldn’t last forever.

If you’re in one of those difficult seasons today, be encouraged; it won’t last forever.