God Speaks In Seasons

We’ve often heard, “There’s a season for everything,” a time for everything in life. Seasons can be short and they can be long, depending upon how long we need to be there or how long we linger. In those seasons, we learn lessons. If we are on our toes, we listen for direction. The Lord speaks to us in seasons.

Think of it like this. We are all on our own journey in life, and God wants us all to reach the same destination: eternal life with Him. In spite of our desire to hurry things along and get there as fast as we can, there are rest stops along the way, traffic to deal with and obstacles and construction in the road. On top of that, we forget that God’s time is so different from ours.

That’s where our frustration comes in because things don’t happen in our time frame. What we forget is that no matter the season, God is in control of what is happening, including the timing of each season. And He has something He wants to say to us in each one of those seasons. 2 Peter 3:8-9 says:

 “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

We are in a trying season right now with the pandemic. It has already lasted far too long for our timing. Our patience is wearing thin, especially as we continue to be unable to see each other, have the kids in school, not to speak of the financial and emotional burdens it has brought. We have two choices: 1) to hunker down in our COVID pit of despair; stay too long at the rest stop or give up at the obstacles; or 2) have a change of heart looking forward to the future (this will end), and listening for God’s voice of love and direction.

In both situations, He is there, but to hear Him speak, we must trust Him knowing that His plans for us are not meant for harm. We must obey His instructions and let Him be the driver of our destiny. Listening with open ears and mind, He will not only give direction through the season, but He’ll let us know when to move from this season to the next. God’s using this time just as effectively as He did in the good times to take us through His transformation process.

Issac Newton put it this way, “Sometimes God doesn’t change your situation because He’s trying to change your heart. We must remember there are different seasons in our lives and let God do what He wants to do in each of those seasons.”

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, consider what season you’re in right now. Is your heart open to His guidance and support? No matter our situation, our hope is in Him. So set aside your problems and worries just long enough to thank Him for all He has done and what He is doing. In this season, let Him whisper sweet words of love, encouragement and grace. He’s speaking to you in this season.

“God, the One and only--I’ll wait as long as He says. Everything I hope for comes from Him, so why not? He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul. An impregnable castle: I’m set for life.” Psalm 62:5-6

Prayer

Lord,

You have made everything beautiful in its time. You have also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what You have done from beginning to end. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Through each season You will guide me continually, giving me water when I am dry and restoring my strength. I will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. I will be still in Your presence, and wait patiently for You to act. For I am sure of this very thing, that You, who began a good work in me, will perfect it until Your glorious day. AMEN!


Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

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