Getting Ready for Autumn - The Crosswalk Devotional - September 20

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Getting Ready for Autumn
By Vivian Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” - James 5:7-8

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The colorful fall leaves, the changing of the seasons, and the cooler weather are its hallmarks. However, the fall season can also bring many sad memories. My mom passed away in the fall, which changed the Autumn season for me. I still think Autumn is a beautiful season, but now there is pain that coexists with beauty. 

Maybe fall brings you the same feelings. There is pain, but there is also beauty. As we prepare for Autumn, we need to reflect on all these feelings. We need to accept the pain and the beauty. This is something that I have had to do for many years. Autumn was once filled with joy, and now it is a reminder of tears and pain. I have learned that accepting the pain is part of the journey of moving forward. 

God has been present with me through every struggle and hardship. He was beside me when my mom passed, and He continues to be beside me every day. This is one of God’s many promises to us: He will be with us through every step of our lives (Psalm 23). Rather than giving way to pain and fear, we need to turn to God. He will help us cope with anything that the world throws at us. 

Sadly, none of us is promised an easy life on this earth. We will have hard times and intense struggles. Health problems will come, friends will leave our lives, and loved ones will pass on. The only person who stays with us always is God. He will never leave our side, whether it is Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter. No matter what season brings pain into our lives, God will be with us. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Getting ready for Autumn also requires patience. Patience for the season ahead and patience to endure any troubles. The half-brother of the Lord says, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7-8). As James tells us, we need to be patient until the Lord’s coming.

Similar to how the farmer waits for autumn and spring rains, we need to be patient and stand firm, because Jesus’ coming is near. As we walk through this Autumn season, we must patiently wait just as the farmer waits for his land to yield its crop. Jesus’ coming will arrive in its proper time, but we must wait until it’s time. Waiting can be hard, but we can weather any storm with the Lord’s strength. 

We can choose to be patient as we are approaching this season by staying focused on God. He will equip us with comfort, peace, and guidance. During the fall months, we can begin to experience intense sadness because of the darker days and the memories of the past. However, God can help us accept this pain while also enjoying the beauty of the crisp, colorful days. 

As you walk through this season, be patient with yourself. It is okay to cry and express your emotions. There is nothing wrong with releasing your pain in tears. Crying out to God is not weak or problematic. In fact, it is actually a great thing because it acknowledges our dependence on God and our need for His deliverance. Give all of these feelings over to Him today, equip yourself with patience, and step into Autumn with a heart of hope. 

Does Autumn bring happy or sad memories for you? How might you allow the beauty and pain of Autumn to coexist? What are some ways you can trust God in the waiting period? 

“Dear God, I will wait patiently for Your deliverance just as the farmer waits for the spring and Autumn rains. Autumn can be a challenging time for me, but I’m waiting on You. Please fill my life with your love, hope, and protection. Help me to also see the beauty even amidst the pain. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”

Photo Credit: ©iStofk/Getty Images Plus/Drazen Zigic 

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/. 

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

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