God's Glory Church

“There is a time for everything, and an hour for every business under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

Recently, I came across a useful word – hibernation. Winter is a time when nature freezes. Author Kathryn May uses the word “hibernation” to describe our need for renewal during the “frosty” seasons of life. I found this analogy very helpful. My father died of cancer. Losing it for several months sapped my vitality. Not wanting to slow down, I fought through this winter, praying for summer to come soon.

Ecclesiastes said: “There is a time for everything, and an hour for every matter under heaven.” There is a time to sow and to reap, to weep and to laugh, to mourn and to dance (Eccl. 3:1-4). I read these words for years, but I only began to understand them when winter came into my life. We have little influence over these periods of time, but we must remember: they all end at some point. Having done their work, they will leave. And although we do not always understand what is happening, God does important work through them (v. 11). My complaining time is not over yet. But the moment will come and I will triumph. Just as plants and animals do not struggle with winter, so I need to calm down and allow God to do the necessary renewal.

“Lord,” prayed my friend, “do Your good work in the heart of Sheridan in this difficult time.” His prayer was better than mine. In God’s hands, different times are always beneficial. Let us submit to His will and seek His renewing action each season.

When did you wish that a difficult period of life would end sooner? What do you think God expects of you at this time?

God, thank You for using all the times of life for my benefit and Your glory.

Author: Sheridan Voysey