As we enter the month of September, we find ourselves at a time of transition. The summer months are beginning to fade, children and young people are returning to school, families are settling back into their routines, and we begin to see the signs of a changing season.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
September reminds us that God is a God of seasons. There are seasons of planting and seasons of harvest, seasons of preparation and seasons of promotion. There are seasons of waiting and seasons of breakthrough. Whatever season we may find ourselves in, we can be confident that God is still with us, and He is still working.
As our children and young people return to school, we pray for them, their teachers, administrators, and families. School is a place of learning, preparation, and growth. But there is another kind of learning that we must never neglect: the learning that comes from the Word of God. Our children need an education, but they also need a foundation. They need knowledge, but they also need wisdom. They need preparation for a career, but most importantly, they need preparation for life.
And may we as adults remember that we never graduate from learning the ways of God. Every season of life gives us another opportunity to grow in faith. So, whatever your occupation may be, our work can become an expression of our worship. Whether we work in an office, classroom, factory, hospital, business, construction site, home, or ministry, we can honor God through what we do. There are times when our work may seem unnoticed by people. But God sees every sacrifice, every long day, every act of service, and every effort made with the right heart.
As September progresses, we will begin to see the leaves change and eventually fall. The landscape around us reminds us that change is a part of God’s creation. As we begin this new season, my prayer is that we will renew our commitment to God. As we step into this new season, don’t allow the busyness of school, work, schedules, and responsibilities to crowd God out. Give Him your first moments, your best effort, your family, your plans, and your future.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” We may not know everything this new season will bring, but we know the One who holds the season in His hands.
So let’s move forward together—with faith in our hearts, praise on our lips, the Word of God in our hands, and the Holy Ghost leading our steps. May God bless our children as they return to school, bless every worker and family represented in our church, and guide us all as we enter this new season.
Let’s believe God together for greater things!
Pastor Hatter
