Life changes much the way the seasons flow from one to the other. There is a difference though as the calendar seasons begin and end on a set date. We know what is coming next as they are etched in ink.

But not so with the life seasons. They remain unknown, both in time and extent. In her book, Courage for the Unknown Season, Jan Silvious urges us to navigate the changes in life with courage and hope, as every season serves its purpose.

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s word from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NLT)

The book is an easy read as Jan shares her practical wisdom on growing older with a graceful and refreshing perspective. She encourages us to embrace each season with the assurance:

• God’s purposes in our seasons will never be thwarted.
• Keep our souls engaged with life and the Lord of life.
• Believe God is sovereign over every season and nothing is out of His sight or control.
• Cherish laughter no matter what season you find yourself.
• No matter your age, from millennial to boomer and beyond, if you’re going to live, you might as well live as well as possible to fulfill the purpose for which you were made.

No matter the season or circumstance, we know the key to survival and hope is found in God. God’s hope is will keep us going when life presents challenges.

Jan included this quote from a woman who wrote by candlelight as she sat in the midst of her seventh monsoon:

We all know that if the seasons were the same, there would be no growth. Without winter there would be no spring, and without frosts there would be no bulbs and without the monsoon there would be no rice harvest. In the same way we also know that without sorrow there would be no joy. Without pain there would be no healing. I think that’s precisely where the beauty comes in. It comes in through the fruit of the seasons. He has indeed made everything beautiful in its time.
(as shared on paged 191)

Indeed, He has.
May we find courage, hope, and beauty wherever we find ourselves today.

** In exchange for my honest review, Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
An affiliate link has been included in this post.

Today I am joining … Porch Stories and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Woman to Woman and Recharge Wednesday .