Seasons Change

Seasons change but God’s timing is perfect.  Solomon, the wisest man of all time penned the following verses.

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace…

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11 NLT
You may recognize some of these verses from the old Byrds song called “There is a Season”. The words rendered above are life-changing. They frame for us an understanding that God directs and manages our lives according to seasons. This is true in our work lives and in our ministries for the Lord.

Seasons Change in our Ministries

After I accepted the Lord into my life, I entered a season of learning God’s word and allowing Him to renew my mind. After a little while, God led me to teach Sunday School to third and fourth graders. I did this for 10 years. Over the years, I have served in different capacities in the local church.

If we are willing to listen, God will guide us. There may be a time for us to serve in some way, but sometimes that calling will change. Seasons change. God led the Israelites in the wilderness with a cloud by day and a fire by night. When we are faithful with one thing, He often will promote us to something else. During each season God accomplishes his will not only through us but also in us. He works in our hearts, prunes us, and enables us to reflect Him more and more. He desires to make us like His Son

Seasons Change in the Workplace

Seasons change for us in the workplace as well. If you are faithful at work, God may promote you within the same company or at another place of work. He may even have you start your own business. Daniel was a Jewish administrator in a foreign land who was promoted to greater places of prominence as he stayed uncompromisingly faithful to God in his present season. God opened doors for him propelling him into new seasons of life and work.

Difficult Seasons

There are also difficult seasons in life. We may suffer the loss of a loved one. This could be a family member or a close friend. During these times, the Lord blankets us with his comfort and peace. Once we go through a season like this, God equips us to minister to those who find themselves in this same valley. There are other difficult seasons such as the loss of a job or times of relational conflict. God is Emanuel. Emanuel means God is with us. He is with us during every season and he will help us to come forth victoriously.

There are also times to pursue certain goals and yet other times to go on to something else. God promises to give us wisdom if we will ask and believe Him for it. He will guide us with His word, His peace and His voice. He will confirm to you personally that you are on the right path.

An indicator that your season may be changing is that you lose the passion that you once had towards an endeavor. This may be due to a lack of patience and perseverance, but sometimes it is a way that God alerts us to pray for discernment. We pray to determine if we should move on to something else. God is faithful to direct us to stay the course or change direction.

God’s Plans for us are Good

The truth is that the Lord desires to orchestrate our lives. He wants us to walk in step with Him. Some seasons are prolonged and last a long time. Others are shorter. It is important that we hear from Jesus the directions he has for us. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV says, ^“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is the verse that my wife and I chose for our wedding. It is a wonderful scripture. No matter what season we are in God intends for us to have hope, an expectation of a bright future. He is on our side and not against us.

Will you surrender to Jesus all your plans and dreams? Will you allow Him to coordinate the times and seasons of your life? Draw near to Him and let Him guide you. Whether you are in a winter season that is hard and cold or a warmer season that is light and joyful, God will direct your path and help you to prosper. You may be in a season of new growth or a season of harvest. God will help you discern. Surrender to him your life, your work and your calling. Instead of being stubborn, like a stick in the wind, flow with him like a river that finds its way to the ocean teaming with life.

Allow our Emanuel to shepherd you no matter what season you are in. He will cause you to grow and prosper. Be faithful in the season you are in, and the Lord will promote you. Find your comfort and hope in Him, and remember – sometimes seasons change.