Seasons
Are things moving forward as you hoped they would so far this year? Are there areas that feel like a dead end?
Most of the time we live in the tension of the in-between moments of life in at least one given area. Things don’t always go as planned. We pray and wait for the breakthroughs we so desperately want or need. The waiting is where hope dies if we don’t lean in and let the Lord cultivate faith - believing for what we haven’t seen yet.
Most of us across the country right now are living between winter and spring. Warmer days happen and then winter still swoops in reminding us it’s still going to stay until its full season has cycled. What season are you in right now? Have you stopped to think about that lately? What cycle are you in? The Lord has a purpose for every season of our lives and he doesn’t waste a single one. Ecclesiastes reminds us of these truths.
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Spiritual growth is like a journey. You progress one step at a time. What matters is not how quickly and far you go - but that you are headed in the right direction and that you keep going. If we follow God’s guidance he promises to lead us in the way we should go by giving us wisdom and direction. As we walk with him, he gives us a clearer vision of who he is and who we are. He solidifies our identity, how we view him, and our place in this world. It’s here where we can flourish in any season. Proverbs 4:10-13 talks about this promise;
Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years. I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
As you think about your season, consider these questions:
What season are you in?
What does the Lord want to say to you in your current season?
What do you need to leave behind or carry forward from a past season?
Are there any excuses you have that are keeping you from saying yes to God?
Let’s turn to Exodus 4-6 and learn from Moses. Do you identify with any of the following feelings or reasons for not moving forward in an area of your life you’ve been feeling like you’re supposed to?
1) Moses’ excuse: You have the wrong person. Not good enough. Why me?
God’s reply (4:12): I will be with you
2) Moses’ excuse: I’m not ready yet. What should I say?
God’s reply (4:13): I will give you the message at the right time.
3) Moses’ excuse: I might fail. What if it all goes wrong?
God’s reply (4:2-9): God showed Moses his power.
4) Moses’ excuse: I don’t have the skills
God’s reply (4:12) - I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.
5) Moses’ excuse: Someone else will do it.
God’s reply (4:15) - I will send a helper.
Moses eventually agreed to do what God was asking him to do. The battles started and things got worse as he faced criticism, and opposition but that didn’t change the character of God or his promises. God was with him and gave him everything needed for the journey. The desert was where the foundation was laid for the promised land.
Let’s not miss God at work in the current seasons. Our past has brought us to our present, but it doesn’t determine our future. Whatever you have experienced, no matter how great or hard, it’s nothing compared to what God can do in your future!
I hope you’ll consider joining us this April in New Jersey for our Spring She Lives Fearless Conference! The theme is Cultivate. This one-day-only conference is filled with powerful worship, dynamic teaching, panel Q&A, equipping resources, community, and connection! You can sign up here! And if you don’t live near the area, make it a weekend getaway. It’s the perfect place to experience a quaint walkable town with access to NYC if you’re feeling adventurous!
