If you were to examine your current situation or season in life right now, what would you say? Think about that for a quick moment. Would you say that you’re in a grinding season, dry season, getting married season, waiting for your godly mate season, raising small kids or teens season, empty nesting season, spiritual warfare season, tests and trials at nearly every turn season, growing closer to God season, and the list could go on and on, right? Gotcha! So let’s talk (or read) about recognizing life seasons in this week’s post.
In a natural sense, we know that seasons change. There’s winter, spring, summer, and fall. And although I’m not about to get poetic on you, I simply want you to truly recognize that just like the natural seasons change, the same happens as it relates to seasons in our lives. Yet, the key to success in getting through any of them well, is first recognizing where you are.
The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season.” It also tells us in that same verse, “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.” Ultimately God is in control of all of the seasons, whether natural or within life. So it’s important for us to recognize that from the start.
Whichever season you’re currently in, try to understand that He’s making everything beautiful for its time. Let’s go a bit further…
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1. The Dry Season
This is no doubt a tough season! Trust me. I’ve been there at various moments in my life, and I personally know how hard this one can be. For Christians, it’s usually called a spiritual dryness or a dry season. It’s when God is quiet or you can’t hear His voice or sense His presence as you once did. He seems very distant.
I believe one of the keys in getting through this challenging season is realizing that you are in this particular one, and to press through it. Meaning draw closer to Him anyway. Don’t wither up. Continue reading His Word. But also talk to Him, even though He’s quiet. Because guess what, sis? He is there. He hasn’t left His throne. Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”
In this season, it’s also good to do a self-examination. In other words, check to see if there’s anything that may be causing the silence or dryness (like unconfessed sin). If you think so, confess it, ask His forgiveness, repent, and keep drawing closer to Him (see 1 John 1:9). He’s a loving and forgiving Father.
And I’ll tell you, one thing about dry seasons…they don’t last forever. This season will change. Just keep the faith, keep trusting Him in the dryness, keep going to church, and keep praising and worshiping Him even when it’s hard and dry. The rain is coming.
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2. The Waiting Season
Let me kick this one off by saying, "Waiting is NOT easy!" If you’re there now, I know…I know. Whether you're waiting on your godly husband, waiting for circumstances to change, waiting on something to be completed, or waiting on your purpose, waiting can be quite difficult. But hang in there. You can get through this season. God has not forgotten you.
He’s planning. He’s pruning you. He’s chiseling away what’s not needed for the next level. He’s making you ready. So let Him work. And however long it takes, go with His flow and grow, because Father knows what’s best (and whose best).
And just know…one day the wait will be over! But until God says, "It's time." Keep the faith, don’t doubt, and wait with expectancy. King David cried out to God in Psalm 5:3, “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” He’s listening and knows exactly where you are. Just hold onto your faith.
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3. The Grinding Season
This is the busy season. This is the “I don’t have enough time in a day to get everything done!” season. But yes, you do. Remember, you have 24 hours in day and 7 days a week (but please find one day to rest). I’m just saying. ;-)
But seriously. I’m in this season right now as I write this to you. But the key to success and accomplishing much in this particular season is seeking God for direction the moment your feet hit the floor (if not the night before) and then plowing through your priorities when your work day begins. Attacking your priorities first will also help alleviate undue stress. You'll be amazed at how much you get accomplished when you do this. Try it.
Oh, and by all means...don't burn out! Pace yourself and your tasks. There's only one you. Breathe. Pray. Take a lunch break. Then carry on in your grind. Amen!
Also in this season, recognize what needs to get done, write things down, and press through with the strength God gives you, His provision, and divine grace. Rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and help you get through the grinding season. And don’t forget to spend time with those you love during this season. They need you. #balance
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4. The Tests & Trials Season
If you’re going through some hard times in this season, know that God is with you right there in the midst of it all. He’s totally at work. I know it’s hard when you’re in the middle of it, and you might not even understand what you’re going through or why. But I want to encourage you that God knows, and in due time, all will be revealed. In the meantime, don’t give up or get tired of doing good, sis.
This season will pass. If you need comfort, let Him comfort you. If you need strength beyond yourself, let Him strengthen you. If you need wisdom, ask and the Bible promises that it will be given to you (James 1:5). Sis, as hard as tests and trials may be, allow God to be God. Allow Him to do the supernatural work that only He can do. Allow Him to strengthen and increase your faith in this season of hardship or affliction.
Second Corinthians 4:17 states, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen…” In this season, fix your thoughts on heavenly things, not on things on the earth. Fix your eyes on Jesus. #endure
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5. The Spiritual Warfare Season
If you are in spiritual warfare, gird up! Don’t get caught up in civilian affairs, instead stay focused on what’s in front of you. If you are being spiritually attacked, evidently you’re doing something right…and the devil doesn’t like it. And whether you’re walking by faith regardless to your situation or doing what God has called and commissioned you to do…the enemy will wage a war against you. It comes with Christianity.
That’s why you’ll have to recognize that this is what’s happening and break out the Word to fight him and win. It’s not a natural battle against flesh and blood (even though it may appear to be), it’s the enemy. So put on your full armor as Ephesians 6:12-17 says.
Before I close this portion, just know that in every battle, there is an end. Someone wins. Let it be you! Get through this season with the Sword of the Spirit, faith, and prayer. Win!
Whew! There are so many seasons in life that we go through, right? So much so, that I was not able to get through many of them in one post. I would have liked to get to motherhood, marriage, and more, but if you have any questions or need prayer about any these areas, you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com.
I pray that this post has helped you this week. The key is recognizing which season you’re in and shifting your thought process to “God is with me. This too shall pass. He’s got me in this season and beyond.” ;-)
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Courtnaye is a Christian blogger who loves writing to help women grow in their walk with the Lord. It's all about real talk, real issues, and real life in the faith! Don't miss out on her weekly posts every Monday at 7:30am on www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Originally published Friday, 15 September 2017.
