Grace For The Season

When our grandchildren come to the house occasionally they ask if they can help me in the kitchen. Depending on what I’m making for dinner or baking for dessert my response is measured. If I’m frying something over the stove my answer is no. If I’m warming tortillas over an open flame definitely not. But when it comes to simpler tasks like setting the table, grating cheese (for the older grands) or help scoop out the ice cream it’s a thumbs up from nana.

I have to take into account their age and their ability to navigate the task without risking a serious burn or cut. I know that as time goes on they will be able to take on larger responsibilities in the kitchen. This time is so precious for me and at the same time I want to give them opportunities to grow their skills season by season.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (NLT). Scripture reminds us that seasons are not random. They are part of God’s design. It calls us to discern what each season is meant to produce in us. Our Heavenly Father is both gracious and wise. Precise yet patient. Each season has something to teach, something to shape, something to refine. He knows as only He can how to grow us. He is the One who formed us in our mothers womb. He will appoint the appropriate elements to conform us to our Savior.

Consider the promise in Isaiah 46:4: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age” (NLT). God’s faithfulness is not limited to our youth or our most productive years. He sustains us through every stage, offering wisdom, perspective, and a steadfastness that only time and experience can bring.

Life rarely moves on a steady path. Instead, it unfolds slowly with many seeming detours. There are seasons of prospering and pruning, triumph and tears, love and loss. Faith is tested, refined and deepened because the love of God will not leave as we are. Our story is unfolding and the Author is writing His glory on hearts of flesh.

The question is not whether we can trust Him but will we. We often want to move pass or around where we are right now. We wish for a welcome change. Scripture tells us, He made the moon for the seasons; The sun knows the place of its setting. Ps 104:19 God commands our seasons and that must be the anchor of our faith. But in that knowledge we can find rest. He is not a task master who wants to break us. He’s working in ways that call us to trust the process. His grace is there poured out for every step ahead.

How can we as followers of Christ be immersed in His grace for every season? Let’s start by remembering a powerful promise from God.

But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Is 41:8-10

We immerse ourselves in God’s grace by remembering that we are God’s sons and daughters and by living out that identity each day. God engages His people in verses 8-9 by reminding us of who—better, whose—we are and what He has done to rescue and redeem us.

Second, we do battle with our doubts by recognizing that our Savior is with us. God tells us in verse 10 what He regularly reminds His fearful people throughout the Scriptures: “I am with you.”

Third, we rely on God’s strength and protection. Verse 10 goes further. Our God is not only with us but is also powerfully for us. God calls us not to fear because “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (the hand of power in Scripture).

God through Isaiah gives an emphatic absolute declaration. He loves us, is for us, is with us, and will help and uphold us. Nothing will ever happen to us outside of His sovereign, wise, and perfect will. God will walk with us through any and every crisis and He will help us to handle them in God-pleasing ways. His grace will will be there in the season!

I have to remember grace when I’m in the kitchen with our grandchildren. Grace so their little hands can help. Grace to appreciate the imperfections, and cheer them on in their accomplishments. I want nana’s kitchen to be a place of joy and laughter knowing this season is exactly where they need to be. The next season will come with new challenges and growth. And fresh grace for that too.