by Richelle Hecker

Seeing God’s faithfulness in each season of life.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

What a stunning view from Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah! It is amazing to me that a view of layered rocks can be so spectacular. What makes these rocks stand out are the sharp edges caused by the rock eroding away over time. Also, we see the many contrasting layers of sedimentary rock, that give color to a landscape, that might otherwise be bland to look at from this distance. These layers developed due to differing circumstances. Geologists can look at each layer to determine what was happening, and determine whether drought, flourishing vegetation, volcanic activity, or a number of other things may have formed it. What we observe is a beautiful tapestry of different time periods leaving behind evidence of good and bad seasons. These seasons, visible in one picture, take our breath away.

Recently I cleaned out my office. I discovered layers there too. When I began the task I berated myself for the paper piles I allowed to build up. Then, as I began my excavation I realized what a testimony of God’s presence they held. These piles did not build up due to purposeful neglect. As I looked at the dates on different layers I began to see patterns of life events. Some reminded me of times of great crises, where I simply focused on survival skills rather than on filing papers. Other layers were evidence of joyful times such as visitors coming, and papers quickly piled away before their arrival. I stopped berating myself for unopened Christmas cards and other mail when I realized what all was happening during that time in our lives.

Instead, as I cleared each layer, I began thanking God for each season He carried us through.  Those paper piles became a testimony of all that God has done for us, and an encouragement to trust Him for our future.

“Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version

Lord, thank you for allowing us to walk through times of joy and adversity, so that we can observe the beautiful layers of your love and faithfulness. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO