An Appointed Time For Everything

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven ...” Ecclesiastes 3:1

I don’t usually like to draw attention to myself, but when this particular event fell today, it caused me to ponder. You know when Pastor Marty ponders, something is going to be said.

So, here is the event. Today is my birthday. I’m not going to give you my actual age, but will give you enough information for you to figure it out. My age today is exactly my birth year in the 1900’s. Yes, the 1900’s. Second, I’m a “Baby Boomer” so that will give the period in the 1900’s I was born. And lastly, if you take my age today and subtract it from this calendar year, you will get the calendar year of my birth, which again is exactly how old I am today.

Why do I bring my birthday up? That is a good question. As I said, I never liked drawing attention to my birthday. I know a lot of people bask in the day and love the excitement and attention. That’s not me. It is day that can come and go. Yes, I’m another year older, another 12 months logged in God’s book of life on His servant, Marty Egene Duffell. Don’t get me wrong. I am glad I was born. I am happy to be alive at this time and place. I am thankful for my wife and family. And most of all, I am thankful that God has chosen my to be an adopted son of His and made me an heir of heaven.

That being said, why then write an article about your birthday, even though it falls on the HOPE Connection day? I was thinking yesterday about another year in the books for me. What does that mean? What will this next year of my life bring me? What celebrations and what heartaches will I experience? How will I serve God this year of my life in ways that glorify Him who saved me? Most scholars believe King Solomon is the author of Ecclesiastes. Solomon, in his wisdom states that there is an appointed time for everything under heaven. Everything! A time to: give birth, to die; to plant, to uproot; to kill, to heal; to tear down, to build up; to weep, to laugh; to mourn, to dance; to throw stones, to gather stones; to embrace, to shun; to search, to give up as lost; to keep, to throw away; to tear apart, to sew together; to be silent, to speak; to love, to hate; for war, for peace.

This passage came to mind as I began to ponder these questions in my mind. Which of these will I face in this year of my existence? Many will come very naturally, others will be forced on my by the world. Some of these will bring me joy and happiness, while others will tear at my heartstrings.

Then I remembered once again, I’m not alone. I don’t have to depend on myself, but can lean on God. His Holy Spirit will guide me, lead me, comfort me, lift me up, & push me forward no matter what this year brings. I only have to remember “In Christ Alone” my hope is found. There is an appointed time for everything and I will embrace whatever those “things” are this year. Why? Because God’s got this! He has my back! And folks, that is a great feeling.

Where’s your hope in this year of your life? In the world? Or In Him? Where you place your hope will make a difference as to how you face the “things” coming at you this year.
Thank you LORD for another year of life! You’re Awesome!

Blessings my friends,
Pastor Marty.

Worship, Grow, Serve.