A Season of Change: Trusting God as the Leaves Turn

Change Requires Letting Go (Part Two)

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1

Change is never easy. We often resist it because it feels uncertain, uncomfortable, or even painful. Yet, just as the fall season reminds us, change is both necessary and beautiful. God uses it to prepare us for new growth, deepen our roots, and reveal His glory.

The second key lesson from the fall season is this: change requires letting go.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:18–19

The beauty of fall lies in watching the trees release their leaves. They don’t fight the process, they let go. The trees surrender what must fall so they can endure the winter and prepare for the new life that spring brings. The same is true for us. We cannot cling to the old if we want to experience the new.

Sometimes, God asks us to release old habits, toxic relationships, past hurts, or our own plans so we can receive His better plan. Letting go may feel like loss at first, but beneath the surface, God is strengthening our spiritual roots and preparing us for a season of greater fruitfulness.

Here are three areas where God often calls us to let go:

1. Let Go of Fear

Fear makes us hold tightly to what’s familiar. But God reminds us that His presence drives out fear.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10

2. Let Go of Unforgiveness

Holding on to offence blocks our relationship with God and others. Forgiveness is not forgetting; it’s freeing.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

3. Let Go of Misplaced Security

We often anchor our confidence in people, possessions, or positions. But true stability comes only from God.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” — Psalm 20:7

As you reflect this week, ask yourself: What is God asking me to release so He can do something new in my life?

Letting go may not feel easy, but it’s the doorway to renewal. The same God who paints beauty into every falling leaf is writing beauty into every surrendered moment of your life.

Next time, we’ll continue this series by exploring the third key lesson in A Season of Change.