If Only For A Season

Some friendships are for a reason, some for a season, and all for God’s purpose.

Throughout life, friendships come and go. Some are meant for a reason, some for a season, and others may last a lifetime. Wisdom comes in discerning when a season has ended and when a new one begins, for only then can we embrace the fresh work God desires to do.

Just because certain friendships from the past are no longer present in the same way does not mean they lack value. Those relationships are etched in our hearts and memories, often shaping us into who we are today. God uses people to sharpen us, to encourage us, and sometimes even to challenge us in ways that ultimately draw us closer to Him. But when the season changes, we must trust His timing.

Letting go is not about ceasing to care. It is about recognizing that holding onto something that no longer exists in its former strength can keep us from God’s next assignment. Sometimes we pour ourselves into keeping something alive when the Lord is gently saying, “Let go and let Me be God.” When we refuse, we risk clinging to the past instead of stepping into the future He has prepared.

In my own life, I’ve realized there are times I’m the only one reaching out, the only one trying to “touch others” and keep the connection alive. But if it is one-sided, I must surrender it. Love remains, but it does not require me to cling. It simply means trusting God to care for them, while I continue walking the road He has placed before me.

I have been richly blessed with wonderful friendships over the years—relationships I would trade for nothing. They were gifts for their appointed times. Some encouraged me when I was weak, others celebrated with me in moments of joy, and a few walked with me through the hardest valleys of my life. For all of them, I am grateful.

Yet I’ve come to see that I am not called to hold onto every person forever. That is not a sign of failure, but of growth. The truth is: we are not all called to reach the same people. Each of us has a unique calling and circle of influence, and God, in His wisdom, orchestrates the right relationships for the right season. He sends people into our lives when we need them, and He sometimes removes them when their part in our story is complete.

This doesn’t diminish the love, the memories, or the lessons learned. Rather, it frees us to walk in obedience to God’s leading without bitterness, regret, or striving. When we release others with blessing, we make space for God to bring new relationships into our lives that align with the season we are stepping into.

Reflection Questions

• Am I holding onto a friendship that God has already shifted me away from?

• How can I release relationships with gratitude rather than with grief?

• Who has God placed in my life right now that I am called to love, support, and encourage?

• Do I trust God enough to believe that He knows who belongs in each season of my life?

Love, Blessings & Shalom,Michael

Scripture for Reflection

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

A Simple Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of friendships—both past and present. Teach me to hold relationships with open hands, to cherish what was, and to embrace what is. Help me to discern the seasons of connection and to trust You with the people You bring into and out of my life. May I always walk in love, without clinging, and remain faithful to the ones You’ve called me to reach. In Your Holy Name, Amen.