Seasons of Time
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose
under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die. A time to plant, and a time
to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to break
down, And a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to
mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather
stones. A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing. A time to
gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away. A time to
tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silent, and a time to speak. A time to
love, And a time to hate; a time of war, And a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:
1-8).
A season of time. Some seasons are shorter than others, and
certainly some seasons are more enjoyable than others. I sat listening to woman
doing their “time” inside this level 3 and level 4 women’s facility. The prison
was enclosed by a chain link fencing with several rows of razor wire. The gym
where we gathered was hot, the air conditioning broken in the middle of August.
Time… two of the women had served 40 years, while another was beginning her 30th
year incarcerated. Years away from their family. During their time, some of
them had lost a parent or a child to death; they had “watched” their loved one’s
funeral service on the “web” through special arrangements and permission of the
warden. Could there possibly be a purpose in this season?
I reflect on my own journey. My husband was incarcerated for
13 years. I recall how difficult that season was at times. There were times
when I could not see the end in sight. I pondered, how does one live in prison
for 20, 30, 40 plus years? How does one live for Christ in these circumstances?
I’m reminded of Paul in the New Testament. He wrote multiple
books of the Bible (through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) while
incarcerated. In fact, these books are known as the prison epistle (Colossians,
Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians). In James it says, “to count it all joy
when you fall into various trials” because those circumstances lead to making “you
perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). Without a doubt, Paul’s
circumstances lead to the furtherance of the gospel. Paul teaches several key concepts: how to maintain
a positive perspective in difficult circumstances; how to live as a Christian in
a pagan world; how to have joy; and how to live as God children.
Perhaps you are currently living in a difficult season, and
you are wondering when this season will be over. Perhaps you too, can see no
end in sight. Ask God to help you. Read the book of Philippians for encouragement.
