In the thirteenth chapter of Mark, Jesus pulls up the shade on the disciples’ futures, and then on what appears to be the end of history.

It is, perhaps, one of the more frightening passages in Scripture. However, Jesus describes the future with a hopeful metaphor: summer.

All the hardships that lay ahead are like summertime, like a season of tremendous sun, heavy rain, and ultimately, great growth. Plants can’t skip the summer. The season must come and stretch them into what they were designed to be.

God knows that we can deceive ourselves as to where our faith really is. Students can’t accurately evaluate their own knowledge without a test. Who we really are, what we truly believe, is always evidenced in turmoil.

Good and bad, the future must come. God’s children must grow.

Are you experiencing a summer season in your life? Are you fearful one is coming? Keep embracing God in prayer. Trust Him to grow your spirit strong, healthy and beautiful.

With Jesus, everything will end well.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28