A TIME FOR E V E R Y T H I N G Meeting God in the waiting, growing, changing, and becoming. A DEVOTIONAL STUDY THROUGH E C C L E S I A S T E S

YET GOD HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL FOR ITS OWN TIME. HE HAS PLANTED ETERNITY IN THE HUMAN HEART, BUT EVEN SO, PEOPLE CANNOT SEE THE WHOLE SCOPE OF GOD’S WORK FROM BEGINNING TO END. ECCLESIASTES 3:11 NLT

I didn’t choose Ecclesiastes because it has all the easy answers. In fact, it is far from that. Rather, I chose it because as I read it, I found that there were many times it discussed the answers to questions I have asked myself at one point or another. What actually matters? What am I truly living for? Ecclesiastes discusses the sometimes frustrating, confusing, and normal parts of this life and encourages us to look at them honestly— while also reminding us where true meaning is found. I hope that this devotional will not only allow you to read through Ecclesiastes, but also help you slow down and really reflect on what you are reading. My goal in creating this is to provide encouragement while also giving you a tool to study Scripture more deeply and see God through it all. Throughout this study, you’ll also have space to map out the passages we read. Use that space to write down notes and observations, ask questions, and record whatever stands out to you. You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers. You just have to be willing to slow down, look deeper, and seek after God. - Ava Koch B e f o r e W e B e g i n …

T H E S E A R E T H E W O R D S O F T H E T E A C H E R , K I N G D A V I D ’ S S O N , W H O R U L E D I N J E R U S A L E M . 1 “ E V E R Y T H I N G I S M E A N I N G L E S S , ” S A Y S T H E T E A C H E R , “ C O M P L E T E L Y M E A N I N G L E S S ! ” W H A T D O P E O P L E G E T F O R A L L T H E I R H A R D W O R K U N D E R T H E S U N ? 2 3 E C C L E S I A S T E S 1 : 1 - 3 N L T When I first read this, it seemed so discouraging. Meaningless. If everything I do is meaningless, then what are we doing here? But the more I thought about these few verses, the Lord already started revealing things. The question turned from “What are we doing here?” to “What actually lasts from all your efforts you put into this life? What does someone truly gain?”

Take note. What are your thoughts on these first few verses? What lasting impact are you wanting your life to leave? What are you wanting to gain?