Every Season Has a Purpose

Michigan tree during fall season, photo by Val Ruckes 

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Have you ever given thought to how boring life would be without the changing of seasons? Every season offers us a new experience and there's something valuable to be gained from each one.

Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. The colorful leaves on the trees inspire me to write and reflect on life. The crisp air invites me for nice long walks outdoors, and the remembrance of harvest and the approaching holiday season fills my heart with joy and excitement. Not to mention my love for baking desserts, making homemade chili, and wearing fall fashions like sweaters and boots.

Over the past ten years after moving to Texas, every summer without doubt I become weary of the blazing hot temperatures that linger into fall, and I long for a sign that the weather is changing and fall has finally arrived.

Just as the seasons change in the earth, seasons change in our lives. Even now you may be transitioning from one season of life into the next, or you have the desire to. One thing is for sure, changing seasons are inevitable. The question becomes - when is it going to change?

God led me into a season of rest which lasted for two years. My life suddenly shifted from traveling, speaking and book signings, to quietness and a lack of activity. There were no events on my calendar and my business came to a screeching halt. Some people wondered what had become of me. My days were spent in stillness and rest along with prayer and studying the Word. As I struggled to rest one of my prayer partners said, "Girl, you better enjoy this time with the Lord, it won't always be this way." But I continued to struggle as I watched others move forward on their journeys to success. I had to shift my focus and attention on God and cease from fretting. I was determined to allow God to do whatever was necessary as I learned to rest and trust that I was truly in His will. God began to teach me valuable lessons and download new things into my spirit that prepared me for what He had in store. 

You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way. 

James 1:4 The Message

We cannot force our season to change, but a season can produce change within us if we trust God and yield to the process. If we fail to get what we need from the current season, we won't have what we need for the next season.

Every season is a journey of faith. Despite how much we greatly desire to move on, we cannot rush the process. We may not know or understand what God is doing but if we yield to His Spirit and allow Him to have His way we will come out better than we were before. 

It’s much easier to work with God than against Him. 

The truth of the matter is, our life and times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15a). God knows what He needs to accomplish in us before He can propel us into our destiny.

We must discern the times and seasons we're in. There’s a specific reason for each season we find ourselves in. It's our responsibility to make the most of every season and learn whatever God wants to teach us. This is how we are prepared and equipped to for what's ahead. When we seek God through prayer He reveals His purposes.

Pause for a moment and consider the season you’re in right now. What are you learning about yourself, about God and life in general? As you reflect on these things take time to write your answers in a journal. It will be useful insight to reflect on in the future.

Here are a few things I learned about times and seasons that may help you successfully navigate through your current season.        

• Seasons are an opportunity for introspection and growth.
• Seasons teach us new things about God and ourselves.
• Seasons cannot be rushed.
• Seasons require patient endurance.
• Times and seasons belong to the Lord.
• Seasons have a specific purpose.
• Seasons don't last forever but change at the appointed time.

Are you ready to embrace the season you're in and maximize it to it’s fullest potential? 

What lesson have you learned from a particular season you endured?