Summer forever

This week, I have experienced both life and death. Both joy and sorrow, dancing and weeping. I have welcomed a new life and said my farewell to another. (Ecclesiastes 3)

Life is ever-changing. Seasons come and as quickly as they come, they’re gone, changing and shaping us along the way.

I struggle with seasons. I’ve never been a fan of them.

If I had it my way, it’d be summer forever!

I’d live in a constant place of gladness, joy, dancing, adventures and control.

I don’t particularly enjoy sorrow, weeping, hard days and death. I dare say you don’t either.

I bet I’m not the only one who prefers to live on the mountain top. But, we live in a fallen world and with it comes valley moments and seasons of pain and sorrow.

I wish with all my heart that death wasn’t a part of life. I wish hard days didn’t exist, but they do.

Death is inevitable, and Satan lurks around seeing who he can devour. But, we CAN have hope in the valley.

Hope’s name is JESUS.

Seasons are a part of life and pain and sorrow will not cease until the Lord splits the eastern sky and returns for HIS church.

So, how do we live a mountain top life in the valley? A summertime life amid the winter days?

We lean into God and HIS fullness.

The same God who’s given us an opportunity to overcome the curse of sin and death. The God who gave HIS son as a ransom for you and for me, who gave us the gift of eternal life.

It’s God’s incredible grace, undeserved and unmerited favor!

We may experience valley days, but we don’t have to settle for them.

With God we can have peace amid pain.

We can faith over fear, live joyously despite the circumstances we face.

We can live in the fullness God has for us. We can live a mountain top life in the valley.

For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. John 1:16 (NASB)

Cassie Downs, formerly of the Ellsinore area, is a bible teacher, author, retreat host, founder of Everyday Jesus Ministry, and serves as operations pastor at The Hill Church. A leader full of passion for seeing women follow Jesus and His plan for their lives. She is an avid reader and loves to travel. Cassie lives in Stockton, Mo. with her husband, Dustin and their three children. Connect with Cassie at cassiedowns.com.