One Way to Fulfillment (Ecc 3:9–15)

Although life often seems frustrating and futile, God has appointed each of the seasons of life (3:1–8). People may blame God for difficulties and hardship, but these come from his all-knowing and gracious hand. Likewise, the good things of life are gifts from a loving God. How can we experience fulfillment in our lives?
Each one of us has tasks in front of us. These include school, jobs, responsibilities at home or church, sports teams, music lessons, and a host of other things. What is the profit in doing these things (3:9)? The Preacher’s answer is that these responsibilities are given by God (3:10), and he makes everything beautiful in its time (3:11). Each of the different tasks in life are carefully directed by God, and he will cause them to flourish in his perfect timing.
Being made in the image of God, mankind has an innate desire for something beyond this temporary life. He has an eternal longing that cannot be satisfied with the physical and earthly (3:11). We must realize that the eternal and infinite God has ordained these tasks for us (3:12). The work and responsibilities and opportunities that God has set before us are his gift to us (3:13). God is infinite and eternal; he knows what is best and lasting joy and satisfaction can only come from him (3:14–15).
You and I may look at the work before us at school, upcoming responsibilities or obligations, and be discouraged. How can we ever get through all this work? Or we may look ahead and say, “There is no end to the demands of life— I just want to give up.” We must realize that our infinite God has given us these jobs to satisfy us and fulfill us. We must submit to his direction and plan because trying to find fulfillment in ourselves is futile. God’s gift to you is the work before you. Do it for his honor and glory (Col 3:23; 1 Cor 10:31). Realize that God will reward us for obeying him, even if we never receive any reward on this earth (Col 3:24).