SEASONS

“He changes times and seasons; He deposed kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:21 NIV

Life is all about seasons isn’t it? Some we welcome with open arms, others we quietly endure. Each season brings its own purpose and none are wasted by God.

Think about it. Some seasons are full of light. Doors are opened prayers are answered everything couldn’t possibly seem any better. God’s goodness is tangible. That’s the season we long to be in all the time! Those seasons never seem to last too long though. Often in times of abundance we may forget to give thanks to the One who provides us that season of light. We become rooted in the blessings, not in Him the giver of those blessings.

Other seasons feel like you’re wandering in the wilderness. The path is very unclear, prayers are being said but it seems silence is the only answer. You  wonder where God is in those seasons. When silence is so heavy,questions and doubt plague you. It’s those seasons that are often the most sacred as hard as that is to believe. In that wilderness we learn how to be dependent on God and we learn trust, and how to walk by faith not sight.

Then there are the seasons of waiting. They are uncomfortable, stretching and refining. Those seasons where the world tells you to hurry, but God is telling you to be still. Those waiting seasons are hard. Patience and I have a rocky relationship! You want what you want now. Yet it’s in these waiting seasons that our character deepens, our vision sharpens, and our hearts align with His.

And then there are the healing seasons. When God gently brings us through grief, restores what was broken and breathes life into weary souls. Tender, holy and often slow but these seasons are filled with His grace.

It doesn’t matter what season you may be in- know this: God is with you. Seasons change. God does not. He remains the one constant you have in your life. His timing is always perfect (even though you might not think so) and His ways are higher than ours. God sees things from the beginning to the middle to the end. Nothing surprises Him! Genesis 8:22 NIV says, “As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”

Seasons are not permanent; they do not last forever; they are transient. One passes and another one is upon us. Don’t forget, seasons are God ordained and purposeful. Whatever season you are in God has a reason and a plan. God doesn’t always change our circumstances, but He walks with us through them. Whether we are struggling, celebrating, grieving, waiting, whatever season we are in, He’s present offering wisdom, comfort, strength, and peace.

If you feel like you’re in a particular season right now, talk to Him about it. Ask Him what it is He needs you to see, learn, understand. No matter the season, the key is honesty. God doesn’t expect nor does He require polished words. Just what’s in your heart.

Prayer:

Dear Father,

You see every part of my life – the joys, the struggles , the changes I don’t understand. You know exactly the season I am in right now and You know the ones that are coming. I come to you asking your help, Your presence, and Your guidance in each season. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Be my constant when everything around me is shifting. I surrender each season to You trusting that You are working all things together for my good.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen