What the Changing Leaves of Autumn Can Teach Us About God’s Timing
Every year, autumn reveals that God’s timing is perfect. Bursting with vibrant hues that display God’s artistry, autumn is a testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness. When my family first visited Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, it was during the summer. Someone there suggested that our next trip be in October or November to witness the beauty of fall.
Like a masterful painter, God concludes each year by presenting us with a masterpiece of His beauty through nature. To know God’s character is to realize He does nothing by chance; there are always lessons to be learned. Even through the changing leaves of autumn, God whispers His wisdom. What do autumn leaves teach us about God’s timing?
Life is About Change
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. However, life doesn’t remain the same. Autumn speaks of change. The summer heat is ending, and the cool air of fall is stirring. You may’ve been comfortable with the long days, late nights, and light clothing, but a new order has arrived. Autumn reminds us that life offers transitional moments; they are in God’s timing, and He is with us through them all.
In change, God is faithful and present. The changing leaves remind us that we should always be growing and seeking God more deeply. The trees remind us of God’s faithfulness. They remain steady and firm. Also, we’re like trees planted in righteousness with roots that grow deeper as we grow higher and closer to God.
The leaves change, indicating we’re not to remain the same. We’re to grow more beautiful as we become more and more like God, who beautifies the meek with salvation. Leaves change and then fall away, and we go from glory to glory. We’re forever transforming, just like the autumn leaves. Paul says in Romans 12 to be transformed by the renewing of your minds.
God Refreshes Us
Often during summer, the heat has us longing for fall breezes. When fall arrives, we see the leaves rustling and feel the cool wind refreshing us again. In Scripture, wind and breath represent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit revives and refreshes us, like the autumn wind. The Holy Spirit awakens you to newness of life. He stirs your spirit and brings renewal.
In John 3:8, Jesus says the Holy Spirit’s work is like the wind that blows wherever it wills, unknown to human reasoning. But the Holy Spirit reveals God’s truth to you. He enlightens you with understanding and teaches you to trust God’s timing. Autumn leaves teach us that God refreshes us with new life by His Spirit.
Harvest is Coming
In Genesis 8:22, God established a law that as long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest. Autumn is a reminder that God’s laws cannot be broken. The law of harvest is true naturally and spiritually. When farmers sow their seeds, they reap a crop. When you sow in righteousness, you will reap a return. It’s impossible to sow without reaping a harvest.
Sometimes harvest takes a while, but trust God’s timing. You will reap if you don’t faint. God is faithful, and His word doesn’t return void. So fall leaves remind you that your harvest is coming because His word is true.
Embrace the New
You may look outside your window and see autumn leaves falling away. What appears to be a loss is actually a gain as trees let go of the old to embrace the new. They look bare, but they’re preparing for the winter. They shed their leaves for energy conservation, protection from heavy snow, and preparation for spring’s new growth.
In the same manner, we’re to let go of things that no longer serve our purpose. Before God takes us higher, we often must let go of things that attach us to the old level. Don’t begrudge preparing for the next season. Jesus told His disciples they must forsake all to follow Him. In other words, they had to leave their old way of life and step into a new life of living for the Master.
Fall leaves teach us that we must let go so that we can embrace the new in God’s timing.
Final Thoughts
The splendor of autumn cannot be expressed in mere words. It has to be experienced. There are places throughout the USA that offer magnificent, jaw-dropping views of God’s rich tapestry in nature. As we behold the brilliancy of colorful leaves, we’re reminded that God takes us through changes and He refreshes us.
Harvest always comes, and we must be willing to let go of the past to embrace newness. It all works perfectly in God’s timing.
