I think we all enjoy the fall colors that mark the changing season this time of year. However, I hear differing responses to the changing temperatures. To the hunter, woodcutter and others who enjoy fall outdoor activities there’s a sense of excitement and opportunity. To those who dislike the cold and winter, there’s generally a whine and sense of dread. 

There is no change without change. That sounds like a Yogi Berra saying, stating the obvious in such simplicity that it sounds ridiculous. Like the changing seasons outside, we go through change as we move from season to season in life. An older pastor friend once told me, “When people get older, they either get better, or bitter.” Through the years I’ve seen some truth to that. In a recent conversation with my wife we were talking about how it’s painful to work through hard things in life. Change is often hard.

This makes me think of the beginning words in the epistle of James to a scattered, suffering church, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3. knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4, NASB). 

There is growth in faith and character that come only through the tests of hard times. Working through difficult circumstances in life can be seen as opportunities to grow, or as struggles to dread. A therapist once asked me how hard I wanted to work on my thumb transplant. I looked at her and she said, “No pain, no gain?” so I said I was in. 

Are you facing something difficult right now, maybe feeling overwhelmed? Is there something that looks like it’s too much for you? The Lord will carry those who turn to Him. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). The greatest growth we stand to gain is in experiencing the strengthening presence of the living Lord Jesus. 

I have to admit that I’m not asking for hardships. But I have to wonder if those who walk alongside others in the midst of their hardships don’t grow a bit too. Get your long underwear and winter coat out, and embrace the change, but don’t forget the greatest source of strength that awaits those who turn to Him. 

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Dan Krahenbuhl is pastor of Monroe Bible Church.