Seasons

As we all know there are four seasons every year. Some we like. Some we love and some not so much. Me. I like Spring. Summer is alright. Fall I love. Winter? Not so much. Like most that think as such, looking out at pure white and picturesque snow with comfy clothes, blanket, hot drink, and the fireplace going is ideal. What’s not ideal is when it’s all over the roads and sidewalks.  Plus, let’s face it, we rarely get picturesque snow. It’s generally slushy, dingy-looking, and heavy.  

Thinking about these seasons, it also brings to mind the seasons of one’s spiritual life. Some we like. Some we love. Some not so much. With the four seasons, we know that they generally will last about three months each, give or take. With spiritual seasons, there are many different seasons and each season’s length varies. Some seasons last for as long as it takes to learn what it is that God trying to teach us.  Others, to the human mind, have no rhyme or reason as to their lengths. What we do know is that God has a distinct intent for each season that presents itself.  Guess what.  There’s no avoiding or taking an alternate route in life to surpass it.  We will go through it at some point no matter what. How it turns out depends purely on how we respond. Sometimes the mountains become so familiar that we become stagnant and just keep going around the same mountains over and over again.  During these seasons, we sometimes find ourselves asking why these things keep happening to us. Why doesn’t is ever change.  “God, why can’t you get me out of this?”  First off, what is the definition of insanity?  It’s doing the same things repeatedly and expecting different outcomes.  Insane, right? Why doesn’t it ever change? Insanity. Could God get us out of it?  Absolutely, but how would that help us to grow deeper in our faith and relationship with Him?  Another saying that I’ve heard for much of my faith walk is, “God never gives you more than you can handle”.  This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there.  God doesn’t say that He’ll not give you more than you can handle. We were never supposed to handle it in the first place. We are to give it to Him to handle and He’ll walk through it with you. Remember, when we are weak, He is strong.  It’s when we are at our weakest that God’s strength shines through.  Also, during those times, our faith and strength grows deeper in Him. Could you imagine if God would have decided to not have Jesus go through the crucifixion? I don’t even want to think of it. He could have.  Jesus said in the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will; but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 NASB. I’d like to think that I could have done it, but when it comes down to it I just don’t think I would have been able to. 

Seasons are each beautiful, ugly, and serene. I have found throughout my life that the outcome is largely decided not by the situation, but by our reaction to the situation.  Do we focus on the situation, or do we keep our focus on our creator God almighty?  It’s easy to lose focus when things are going well because, well, things are going well.  It’s when things aren’t going well that we’re reminded to re-focus on Him. If we do not put on our armour every day and hide His Word in our hearts that we may not sin against Him, Satan and his minions will try to wreak havoc in our lives. It may just be as little as him whispering to you, “Why did you do that?  Well now you’ve done it. God will never forgive you.” “See.  I told you that you would never amount to anything in life.” LIES!  All lies and if we aren’t equipped with the armour and His Word, we will continue to go on a downward spiral all the while asking why this is happening.  On the other side of it, if we do put on the armour every day and have His Word in our hearts, we will be able to fight back and defeat Satan and his minions.  In our weakness, He is strong.  He will walk through every battle with us. Guiding our steps so that we may be victorious in Him. HALLELUJAH! PRAISE GOD!  

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV 

‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ 

Psalm 119:11 NIV 

‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.’ 

  Armour up! 

In Christ’s Abundant Love, 

Kristi