It’s October! Summer is in slumber, and autumn announced its arrival with a cold front down here in South Texas. Harvest festivals dot the landscape and small towns become bustling hubs of festivals and family time. We’re comfortable with the familiar, but mankind’s greatest fear is the unknown. I’d like to take a few minutes to encourage those of us who may feel spooked around this time of year.
The month of October is usually a time people celebrate fear. I’ve never been a fan of deception, but today is about our overcoming frights we cannot understand. The change of seasons has guided human habit for thousands of years and our routines keep us insulated from the highs and lows of the world around us. I feel safe each day waking up at the same time and driving to my job of seven years and coming home to my two dogs. What happens when our standard operating procedures are upended? We are spooked. When a job we’ve counted on is no longer available, when a relative contacts us with frightful news, when an opportunity we’ve looked forward to is not going to happen after all, we may be shaken.
I would like to encourage you that we don’t need to be afraid when things don’t go the way we planned. One Scripture that I stand on when my planner turns into wishful thinking would be Hebrews 13:8 NIV, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” I love the polysyndeton that declares His attributes, His faithfulness, and His Word will not change. While we cannot see everything that lies before us, we needn’t be afraid of the dark. Just as God declared to the ancient Israelites that He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we can rest easy knowing He will be faithful to us also.
One of my favorite activities when spending time with older believers is hearing how the Lord has worked in their lives. I am amazed at the beautiful diversity of testimonies that transcend age, ethnicity, and social class. Jesus really is the same yesterday and today and forever. He heals marriages, war veterans, and sickly children. He provides peace, opens doors of favor, and warns against disasters. Just as our communities gather and celebrate harvest, I would like to challenge you to gather together with friends and family who have testimonies and share how the Lord has impacted your lives. You might be surprised at how refreshing it is!
This October, take heart in knowing that Jesus is faithful. In a world where things change so quickly, we don’t have to be spooked. In the midst of uncertainty, He certainly is with us.
Be blessed and encouraged.