Ecclesiastes: A Devotional
Ecclesiastes 3 says “there is a time for everything.” As we near the end of the semester, I encourage you to reflect on your past season of life and the season to come.
The Lord was working in you the past few months; you may have had a really tough semester or you may have seen abundance like never before. The coming months might be very similar to the previous, or the Lord may have something entirely new for you – either way, He is working good things.
Ecclesiastes lists different seasons God calls us to: being born, dying, planting, plucking up, killing, healing, breaking down, building up, weeping, laughing, mourning, dancing, casting away, gathering, embracing, refraining from embracing, seeking, losing, keeping, tearing, sewing, staying silent, speaking, loving, hating, warring, making peace (vv. 2-8). What season is God calling you to the rest of this year?
Pray through this list; do any of these actions resonate with you? The Lord is calling you to something amazing – run towards it with eagerness!
It can be difficult to hear what the Lord is calling you to. In fact, we will never be able to truly comprehend all the ways He is working in our lives. While you may not see the full picture while on this earth, you can press on in confidence, knowing that your chief end is to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever, and that God has placed you where you are for a reason.
The Lord might not be calling you to what you want. It can be discouraging when your friends are called to seasons of abundance and you’re “stuck” with a calling to weep or break down.
However, do not envy others’ callings, because the Lord has chosen you for a specific role, and it is an honor and a joy to carry out His holy plan. Verse 11 says that the Lord “makes everything beautiful in His time.” This year may be hard, or you may find incredible blessing. Through it all, the Lord is making you and your life beautiful. And if you suffer, know that to suffer alongside a Father and Friend who loves you is one of the most beautiful things you can ever do. Verse 12 says that “there is nothing better than to be joyful and to do good” in whatever season the Lord has called you to.
So rejoice in your work! Pursue eagerly what the Lord has given you to do or go through. Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you. The Lord knows exactly where He’s taking you and what He’s going to teach you, and He’s going to equip you and carry you through the entire way.