“End of Season”

October 23, 2024

My wife and I made our last camping trip of the season in Myrtle Beach this past week. We like to go in October partly because the temperatures are a little cooler and the crowds a little thinner. You might call this “end of season” camping.

This photo reminds me of the phrase “end of season.”

But let me ask you, what comes to mind when you think “end of season”?

Is that a negative phrase or positive?

“End of season” could be a bad thing if you’re at the end of something you really enjoy. I know for my wife the end of camping season isn’t near as enjoyable for her as the beginning of camping season.

“End of season” could be a good thing if you’ve been dealing with something difficult. I know I look forward to the end of a season of illness. Same thing if I’ve got lots of repairs to do to the house or some other project. It feels good when I can look back and say, “I’m glad that season is over.”

And then there are times when it could be both. Right now, our area is going through a very dry spell. While I really enjoy the cooler, dry days, I’m also ready for a little rain for our yard and plants.

End of Season” #hope #joy #writingcommunity Share on X

There is hope if you happen to be in a season in which you are ready to end. You may not see the end and might even wonder if it will ever end. But I want to encourage you with words from the book of Isaiah.

In Isaiah 43, God reminds the Israelites that He will bring them out of their exile in Babylon. I’m sure the Israelites had lost much of their hope as they moved from place to place. It must have seemed as if they would never be the great people they once were. But God knew before they found themselves in their situation that they would need Him. In verses 14-15 He tells them…

“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” (ESV)

Then in verses 16-17, God reminds them of what He did for Israel when they were rescued from bondage in Egypt.

“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:”

God knows our situation. He knows exactly where we are and what we are going through. He has not forgotten us. Just like He told the Israelites, He tells us, “I am your Redeemer. I will take care of you.” He reminds us of what He has done for us in the past.

Then, so that we may have hope, He tells us this.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

We can embrace the “end of season”, knowing He is doing a new thing. Like rivers in the desert, God renews us so that we may embark on a “new season” in Him.