Seasons
It has to be one of the most over used words in the "Christian vocabulary". We use it to describe the good and the bad, the ups and the downs. Even though this word can be seen as a bit cliché, the word works because it is fitting.Seasons.As I look out the window as I write, I see that leaves have started to change colors and beginning their descent to the ground. It's a reminder: the season of summer has come to a close and fall is here.The idea of seasons is found throughout scripture. One of the most noted places is Ecclesiastes chapter 3:
Seasons are a reality. They come and go. As I read Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, I begin to realize that I don't always see the seasons as clearly as Jesus does.With that in mind, here are 5 thoughts about how to approach seasons in life:YOU CAN'T CHOOSE YOUR SEASON, BUT YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR SPIRIT.We don't have the luxury of choosing the seasons of life that we face. We do, however, have the choice in how we will face them. This is the spirit that we choose to live with. You may not have signed up for the season you're in, but you have a choice on how you live through it.DON'T ALLOW A SEASON TO BECOME THE SYSTEM THAT YOU LIVE IN.I've often been guilty of telling myself, "It's just a season". There have been times in my life that I have to sacrifice some family time in order to accomplish a critical task or navigate a crisis moment. The key is to not allow that season to become the system that I now live life in.SEASONS DON'T LAST FOREVER, BUT HOW WE LIVE IN THE SEASON HAS A LASTING EFFECT.The principle of sowing and reaping shows up again and again throughout scripture. What we plant will grow up. It is vital to remember that seasons don't last forever, but what we do in the seasons of life has a lasting effect. Make sure that you are planting what you want to grow.EVERY SEASON CARRIES A UNIQUE BLESSING - IF YOU LOOK FOR IT.Perspective is everything. If you look for bad - you will find it. If you look for good - you will find it. Each season, even the hard ones that we navigate, carries a blessing. Sometimes this takes effort and faith to find it, but if you will look for it you will discover it.WE ARE NEVER UNDER EQUIPPED FOR THE SEASONS THAT GOD ENTRUSTS WITH US.Jesus is so faithful to give us all that we need for every season that we encounter. The good news is that even if you feel like you don't have enough for the season you are facing today, know that if you're a follower of Jesus, His Spirit resides in you. What this means is that you are equipped! Don't doubt it - walk in it.