The end of the calendar year never fails to remind me of the seasonal nature of our life here on Earth. Unlike heaven, where life will consist of an eternity of joy, peace and constant fellowship with God, our lives here are subject to seasons of change and transformation. 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under Heaven. A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up 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.”  – Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

2024 might have been a year of victory for you, or it might have been a year marred by disappointment and sorrow. For most of us, each year contains seasons of both. Our lives are a tapestry of mountains and valleys, moments of despair intertwined with moments of joy.

As 2025 approaches, regardless of the experiences we leave behind, my hope is we can discern God’s hand at work. Whether he has bestowed blessings on you or he is bringing purpose from your pain, his presence remains unwavering. He is orchestrating a beautiful future with each of us in mind. Irrespective of what burdens we carried in the past, we can boldly embrace the next season of our life secure in the knowledge that we serve a good God who deeply cares for us. 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

As we leave 2024 and usher in 2025, let’s express gratitude to God for all he has accomplished and place our trust in him for all that is yet to come.  

Written by Audra Beaty, social media strategist for Buckner International.