Times and Seasons
If someone were to ask you, “what season are you in?” Would you be able to answer? I have come to realize that it’s not everyone that has the ability to discern what spiritual seasons are. Let alone, the season that they are currently in.
Naturally, we know that seasons change. There’s winter, spring, summer and fall. Just as your clothing might change based on the season, the same goes for spiritual seasons. You must have the ability to adapt once the season changes. But, the key to navigating through your season is knowledge. If you are not aware that it’s winter, you might walk out of your home unprepared, and dressed inappropriately for the weather. Discerning the season that you are in is vital on your spiritual journey because what you might be able to get away with in one season, you cannot in another.
The Dry/ Wilderness Season
Without a shadow of doubt, this season stands true to its name. In this season, although you may be surrounded by people, you may still feel very lonely. You might find yourself saying things such as, “no one understands what I am going through.” And that’s because they’re not supposed to, or they may not have the capacity to help you navigate through this season. Sometimes, God will intentionally place us in dry seasons to draw us closer to Him and to deepen our intimacy with Him.
Naturally, in the winter, although it is freezing outside, we still get out of bed and take a shower (I hope lol). The same goes for the dry season. You may feel alone, cold, unmotivated, etc,. But, the key to getting through this season is to push through. There isn't a specific reason as to why you may be in a dry season. But, what I can say is, the professor is usually silent during an exam to test our knowledge of the lessons that were given prior. Scripture tells us in Matthew 4:1,
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
Your knowledge of self and your knowledge of God will be tested in this season. And the only way to get through it is by repeating what scripture says. You may not hear the tempter tell you to turn stone into bread to prove if you're really the Son of man (Matthew 4:3). But, you may hear thoughts tell you that you're not truly loved because no one has checked up on you. You may not have the devil entice you to worship him (Matthew 4:9). But, you may hear thoughts tell you that God does not hear your prayers. Hence why being in your Word during this season, despite how you're feeling is imperative.
2. The Waiting Season
Whew chileee! You think the the dry season is tough, try the waiting season. Whether you are waiting for your kingdom spouse, a child, a career or you are simply waiting for a financial breakthrough, it is NOT easy. I just want to take a moment to affirm someone that is currently in their waiting season. God has not forgotten about you. He cannot forget about you, it’s not in His character. Scripture says,
“God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.” 2Peter 3:9 (MSG)
So, for those that are in their waiting season, this is great news! It simply means that God is preparing you. Sometimes, preparation is not fun. But, it is necessary to sustain the thing that you will receive at the end. I love to look at the waiting season like an expectant mother awaiting the arrival of her baby. For anyone that has ever been pregnant, at the beginning you're excited. You took a test and you found out that it's positive! Or, you received a word, dream, or prophesy and it has been said that something is about to come forth for you. You cannot wait to be a mother and to bring a baby into the world. But then, by the third trimester you're just ready to give birth because a lot has happened both physically and psychologically. A lot of stretching and pruning has taken place. You probably gained or lost a lot of weight, you may have lost a few friends in the process. You may even waddle instead of walk now. But, the process is necessary for the birthing. Remember, this season is more about the process and less about the thing/person that you are waiting for.
3. The Trials & Tribulations Season
If you do not have a community of people around you, this is the season where you need to pray and seek the face of God for one because you will not survive this season by yourself! During this season, it may feel like one thing after the other. As soon as you’ve caught your breath, something else comes and knocks the wind out of you. Sounds familiar? Yup, you might just be in a test and trials season. As unpleasant as this season is, it’s necessary. God will usually use this season to help reveal yourself to you. This too shall pass! Trust me, I know that it's hard to believe or even see the end while you are in the middle of it. But, if you are experiencing this season, know that God is with you in it.
4. The Harvest Season
I believe everyone looks forward to this season. In this season, your life is flourishing. You survived the dry season and you’re finally seeing the fulfillment of the waiting season. Depending on where God is taking you, this could be the season that everyone is starting to recognize you, promotions are coming left and right. You may even be “booked and busy” in this season. But, if you did not allow God to properly prepare you prior to this season, you may experience burnout, frustration, anxiety or be completely overwhelmed. Scripture tells us in Matthew 9:35,
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;
I believe the reason why Jesus mentioned the bountiful of harvest but lack of laborers, is because the harvest requires a lot of work! Therefore, the best way to navigate through this season is to seek God for direction, prioritize and balance. Harvest is beautiful but, not everything or everyone requires our presence in this season.
All in all, every season is necessary to help your spiritual growth. The deeper we go in Christ and the more mature we become, the more God will require from us. If God has you in a tough season right now, know that He trusts that you are equipped to get through it. Was this helpful? Is there any season that I might have missed? Let me know in the comments.
Love, Lynn J.
