It's A New Season!
- Rita Larson
- Oct 25, 2023
- 5 min read
Coming home from Israel, Brian and I have been keenly aware that we are starting a new season and chapter in our Christian walk. When Brian woke up this morning, he spoke of a dream he had. In this dream, there was a shift in the weather out of nowhere, and it began to snow, and snow heavily. He shared how the snowfall was unexpected and how he was totally amazed. Our season is changing, and we are excited to see what God has in store for us.
As believers, we often find excitement and inspiration in nature's changing seasons. Just as the earth experiences the cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, our spiritual lives also go through various seasons. These seasons are not random but are part of God's plan for our growth and transformation. Looking at the different spiritual seasons we encounter on our journey with Christ, we can better understand their characteristics and embrace the lessons they offer.
Spring: Embracing New Beginnings: Spring is a season of new beginnings and fresh growth. It mirrors the joy and excitement we experience when we first come to know Christ as our Savior. Just as nature comes alive with blooming flowers and vibrant colors, our spiritual lives are filled with the beauty of reading God's Word, fellowshipping with other believers, and spending time in prayer and communion with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17, my favorite scripture, reads, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." We feel renewed and transformed as Jesus exchanges His life for ours.
However, even in the season of spring, showers still come. Just like the rain nourishes the earth, God uses trials and challenges to help us grow in Him. Though He doesn't promise a trial-free life, He assures us of His presence and faithfulness in the storms. Like the apostle Paul, we can rejoice in our weaknesses, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for us. 2 Corinthians 12:9, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Summer: Finding Strength in Challenges: Summer is a season of warmth and relaxation but can also bring intense heat and thunderstorms. Similarly, in our spiritual journey, we may experience seasons of stability and maturity where we feel comfortable and at ease. However, these seasons can also be accompanied by challenges and trials that test our faith. John 16:33 says, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Just as the heat and storms of summer strengthen plants, God uses these times of turbulence to strengthen our character and deepen our trust in Him. We can learn from the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who remained steadfast in their faith even in the fiery furnace. Daniel 3:16-18 reads, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." These trials not only refine us but also help us appreciate the calm and peaceful seasons that follow.
Fall: Embracing Change and Letting Go: Fall brings cooler temperatures and the falling of leaves, symbolizing change and transition. In our spiritual lives, fall represents a season of letting go and allowing God to prune away the things that hinder our growth. Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." It may involve releasing bad habits, unhealthy attachments, or even relationships that no longer align with God's plan for us.
Just as the falling leaves create space for new growth in nature, the falling away of certain aspects of our lives prepares us for the new things God wants to bring. Though it may be accompanied by confusion and doubts, we must remember that God is consistently faithful, even in seasons of uncertainty. Like Elijah, who experienced a season of coolness and doubt after a great victory, we can be certain of God's unwavering presence, knowing that God is a God of Provision! He will provide for us in order to strengthen us for what is to come. 1 Kings 19:5=8 reads, "And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God."
Winter: Resting and Reflecting: Winter is a season of rest and reflection. Just as the earth takes a break from its productivity, we also need seasons of rest in our spiritual journey. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" God set the example by resting on the seventh day after completing the work of creation. In these times of stillness, we can find renewal and peace, even though they may appear dreary and confining.
God understands our need for intervals of rest and restoration. It is during these winter seasons that we can draw closer to Him, meditate on His Word, and allow Him to refresh our souls. Though the external circumstances may seem bleak, we can trust that God is continually at work in our lives, preparing us for the new growth that will come in the next season.
So, as we navigate through the various seasons of our spiritual lives, it is important to embrace each season with a sense of purpose and gratitude. Just as the changing seasons of nature bring balance and beauty to the world, the seasons of our lives are orchestrated by God to accomplish His purposes. No matter which season we find ourselves in, we can find encouragement, knowing that it is not without purpose. Each season serves as an opportunity for growth, refinement, and a deeper understanding of God's love and faithfulness. We must adapt, accept, and appreciate each season's lessons, trusting that God's plan is perfect.
In our spiritual journey, we encounter seasons that parallel the changes in nature. Spring represents new beginnings and growth, while summer brings challenges that strengthen our faith. Fall is a season of letting go and embracing change; winter offers rest and reflection. Each season carries its unique lessons and opportunities for growth. As we embrace these seasons and trust in God's plan, we can find peace and purpose in every stage of our spiritual journey. Just as the earth transitions through its seasons, may we also adapt, accept, and appreciate the seasons of our lives, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. Let us lean on His wisdom and guidance, allowing Him to shape us into the individuals He has called us to be. It's a new season! ©Rita Larson 10/25/2023
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