Necessary Endings #preaching

The NJ Podcast

Necessary Endings

I bought myself a cactus for my office. Everyone always says they're impossible to kill, so I thought, "Perfect! No maintenance." Well, I managed to kill it in two weeks. I overwatered it until it was more of a soggy cucumber than a cactus! Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, we can smother the life out of things that need less, not more, from us.

And this leads us to our scripture today from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV): "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot."

In our lives, there are moments, relationships, and situations that reach their necessary endings. They have served their purpose and it's time for us to let them go. Recognizing and accepting these endings is a crucial part of our growth and development.

Look at the Israelites in the book of Exodus. They had to end their life of slavery in Egypt to reach the Promised Land. Yes, the journey was hard. They even wanted to go back at times. But that necessary ending was essential for their destiny.

Jesus Himself, in the Gospel of John (12:24) says, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." Jesus knew His earthly life had to end for the salvation of humanity. It was a necessary ending for a new beginning.

So, let us not fear the necessary endings in our lives. It may be ending a toxic relationship, quitting a job that's not fulfilling, or saying no to good things so we can say yes to great things. Remember, not every ending is a failure, and not every loss is a defeat. Sometimes, it’s the very thing we need for the new thing God wants to do in us.

Let’s pray.

Dear God, give us the wisdom to identify the necessary endings in our lives. Help us to let go with grace, trusting in Your perfect plan for us. Just as a seed must die for a new life to emerge, let us bravely embrace our necessary endings, knowing that they lead to new beginnings in You. Strengthen our hearts, renew our minds, and guide us in Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.