Do you feel it? The air feels crisper, and color is bursting forth everywhere. God, the designer of seasons, is beautifully transforming the canvas of our world right before our eyes. Just as He colors the leaves, He delights in creating a new portrait in our hearts.
Two years ago, a metamorphosis began for me. A single gal for 42 years, I honestly had no hopes of marriage. I had not had a date in 9 years.
Then one day, God changed everything. What a joyous season! Flowers, invitations, and an outrageously expensive white dress filled my days. The picture would have been perfect, had it not been for one dark shadow: cancer. The same day as my bridal shower, a group of us gathered to cry out to God for a dear friend’s healing – my best friend’s beloved husband had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
Her darkest hour came during my sweetest season. As we gathered together, locked hands, and raised our voices to our Maker, our hearts united and drew strength from one another and from our Savior.
Joy and sorrow mixed during that night of prayer, and we walked out in hope. The vision of my dear friend and her husband surrounded by friends praying over them gave birth to greater faith and perseverance in the midst of an unbelievable season.
Isaiah 50:4 encourages us “to know how speak a word in season to him who is weary.” A small gesture today could breathe life into someone’s darkness:
- Call someone to catch up and pray for them
- E-mail an encouraging verse
- Buy someone a cup of coffee
- Send a funny card to make them laugh
I am so thankful for the power of prayer and friendship. As the seasons change, we must remain present and available to one another. May God teach me how to be an encouragement “in season and out.”