Jesus’ promise of an abundant life is not too good to be true. In fact, it is the epitome of truth, and we can experience the reality of His abundant life as we draw nearer to Him.

In autumn, a tree’s green leaves give way to golden yellow or fiery orange hues. The landscape is a portrait of change. Yet, the tree does not reveal a new complexion but instead displays its true colors. A tree breaks down chlorophyll, the green pigment in its leaves, leaving what has always been present yet masked: its yellow and orange pigments. Similarly, as God guides us through life’s changing seasons, our true identity as children of God is displayed. It’s easy to feel out of control as conditions around us change. But like a tree following time’s tempo, we can embrace change and allow it to bring out what is true of us in Christ.

God often uses the very thing we would rather wish away to bring unmatched beauty to our character. He gave us a beautiful image of this process when He designed pearls in the ocean…