I praise God when He brings me doors of opportunity. I enjoy every minute of the challenge. Indeed, He has brought me many wonderful experiences. But, sooner or later, all good things must come to an end. Often, that has been a very hard adjustment for me.
How about you? How do you respond when a wonderful season in your life comes to an end?
Over the years, I have learned to take the end of a season a little more in stride – well, where business is concerned. I have been serving as the Burlington Toastmaster’s President for the last year and as Area 25 Governor in North Carolina for about the last 10 months. I praise God for the opportunities and the successes He poured out on the club and the area. I will miss serving in both positions, but it’s now time to praise God for the season coming to an end. It’s also time to praise God for the start of my next book.
It’s easy to praise God when He brings us a wonderful opportunity. We should absolutely give it our very best. We should also continue to do our best as we see the end of the season approaching.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Colossians 3:23
When one season ends, another begins. Sometimes that next season can be just as much fun if not more. I am looking forward to spending more time on that book!
At other times, it can be really tough. Consider Paul’s statement.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:10-13
When Paul and Silas were beaten and tossed in prison, they prayed and sang praises to God. Here we see Paul talking of how he had learned to be content in all things. I’d say that if he could sing praises after being beaten that he’d learned how to be more than content.
When one of life’s seasons comes to an end, it can truly be bittersweet. We don’t usually have to face anything as difficult as a beating and jail, but it may still take some getting used to. We need to remember to praise God regardless.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to praise God right where you are. Be more than content in your circumstances. Praise God for all the good things He has done for you. Praise God for all the doors of opportunity He has opened for you and for those He kept tightly closed. Both are blessings. Praise God for the season of life that you find yourself in right now. Praise Him for the one you are looking forward to next!