Like the four seasons of nature, there are spiritual seasons in our lives. “For everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT). Every season offers us the opportunity to respond and how we respond will determine if we flounder or flourish spiritually in that season.
Last Sunday, we spoke of the dry season which is no doubt, a tough season. It’s a time when God seems to be quiet, and you can’t hear His voice or sense His presence as you once did. In a dry season, God seems very distant. David the psalmist expressed it this way, O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1, NLT). To flourish in this season, we must press through it. Draw close to God despite how far away He feels. Don’t wither up. Continue reading His Word. But also talk to Him in prayer, even though He’s quiet. Because He is there. He hasn’t left. He promised never to leave nor forsake you.
The waiting season can range from mildly annoying to maddening. Whether for a difficult circumstance to change, or for God to finally fulfill a promise, you need to pour your heart out to God and allow God to leverage this season for his glory and your good. He’s making you ready. He’s chiseling away what’s not needed for the next season in your life, so let Him work however long it takes. Keep the faith and don’t doubt God’s plans and goodness but rather wait with anticipation and expectation. David cried out to God in Psalm 5:3 (NLT): Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
If you are in the spiritual warfare season, then gird up! If you are being spiritually attacked, you’re doing something right that Satan doesn’t like. The enemy will wage war against you. It comes with being a Christian. But don’t be afraid. This is a wonderful thing about being God’s child—He fights for you. You just lean into God and rely on Him by praying and reading His Word. He will take care of the rest. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12, NLT) Also, with this spiritual battle, we must put on our full spiritual armour.
This weekend we will share about three other seasons: the busy season, the test and trials season, and the happy season. If you examined your life right now, what season would you say you are currently experiencing? Are you flourishing or floundering in this current season of your life? Join us this Sunday, in person or online, as we learn the lessons each season brings, how to live fully for Christ during that season, and how to bear fruit in whatever season you are experiencing!
Every Blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor