Embracing God’s Seasons
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, it's natural to reflect on the seasons of our lives. The wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven." This profound truth invites us to consider how we navigate the various seasons God orchestrates in our lives.
Time is a fascinating concept. It moves forward relentlessly, never backward, affecting everything and everyone equally. We often find ourselves wrestling with time – sometimes rushing ahead impatiently, other times dragging our feet. But what if we could learn to synchronize our steps with God's perfect timing?
God speaks of our lives in terms of seasons, each with its unique purpose. These seasons are part of a divine process, carefully designed to shape us and bring about God's plans. When we try to expedite this process out of frustration or anxiety, we risk altering the outcome God intends. It's crucial to remember that God knows the plans He has for us – plans with a beginning and an end that He's already seen.
Consider the story of the man at the Pool of Bethesda. His inability to move quickly enough cost him years of potential healing. Similarly, we can miss God's timing by moving too slowly, distracted by the cares of this world. On the flip side, rushing ahead without faith and patience can cause us to miss the window of God's opportunity.
James reminds us that "the trying of your faith works patience." Those difficult seasons we'd rather skip? They're developing essential qualities in us – faith, patience, and perseverance. When we're tempted to throw in the towel, declaring a year as "not what we wanted it to be," we must remember that our current situation is not our final destination.
The book of Joshua offers a powerful example of persistence in God's timing. In one of the greatest battles of the Old Testament, Joshua, engaged in warfare against multiple kings, asked God for more time – for the sun to stand still – so he could complete the victory. This audacious request teaches us to be bold in our faith, to keep pressing on even when circumstances seem impossible.
But here's a critical point: not every battle is worth fighting. We must discern which battles God is calling us to engage in. David didn't fight Goliath simply because he was bored one afternoon. There was purpose, glory for God, and reward at stake. In our spiritual lives, we need to focus our energy on the battles that matter – those that stand between us and God's blessings, favor, and miracles.
One battle we should always be prepared to fight is against worry. Worry is wasted time, a thief that steals our peace and productivity. Instead of succumbing to worry, we're called to praise. Praise is never wasted time – it moves mountains, changes atmospheres, and acts as a powerful weapon against darkness.
Sometimes praise doesn't come easily, especially in difficult seasons. That's when we need to offer a sacrifice of praise. Every sacrifice requires an altar, and the altar is where we meet God. When we choose to praise God despite our circumstances, we create a meeting place for His presence in our lives.
Remember Noah? God never told him exactly how long the flood would last. Noah had to trust God through the process, day by day. We have the advantage of knowing the full story, along with countless other testimonies of God's faithfulness throughout history. If any generation should be able to navigate both good and bad seasons with strength and faith, it's ours.
As we approach the new year, let's commit to embracing each season God brings our way. Whether it's a time of joy or trial, growth or waiting, let's trust in the God who holds all time in His hands. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He sees the full picture of our lives and is working all things for our good, even when we can't see it yet.
Let's choose to be praisers, not worriers. Let's pick our battles wisely, focusing on those that align with God's purposes for our lives. And in every season, let's offer sacrifices of praise, creating altars where we can encounter God's presence and power.
As we step into the unknown of a new year, may we do so with confidence, knowing that our God is faithful. He has promised that to everything there is a season, and He will make all things beautiful in His time. Our 'now' may be challenging, but our 'next' holds the promise of miracles and breakthroughs.
So, let's raise our voices in praise, let's stand firm in faith, and let's walk in victory – 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, 365 days a year. May our lives be so filled with God's presence that others are drawn to the hope we carry. For in every season, in every circumstance, we have this assurance: our God is with us, He is for us, and He is working out His perfect plan in our lives.
As you reflect on the year behind and look forward to the one ahead, ask yourself: How can I align myself more closely with God's timing? What battles do I need to engage in, and which ones should I let go? How can I cultivate a heart of praise, even in difficult seasons? Remember, your current season is not your final destination. Trust in the God of all seasons, and watch as He unfolds His beautiful plan for your life.
Takeaways:
God has a purpose for every season in our lives, and it's crucial to trust His timing rather than rushing or resisting.
Our praise is a powerful weapon against worry and fear. We should choose to praise God even in challenging seasons.
Worry is wasted time and can consume us if we don't actively engage in praise and trust in God's plan.
