Never Judge Someone Based On A Season

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 CSB

There is an occasion (season) for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven

I believe as we walk this journey through life we sometimes think the situation we find ourselves in will be our final destination. While it is true we find ourselves in less than desirable situations from time to time this doesn’t mean this will be our final outcome. 

Let’s face it, we all go through trials and difficult times. Quite honestly that’s life. If we are not careful we will find ourselves throwing a pity part where we are the “guest of honor”. I don’t know about you but for me that’s one party I try to avoid. 

Life is much like the seasons we have here in the Midwest in the United States. We have four seasons: Spring, summer, fall and winter. Each of these seasons is unique. Often what we find ourselves going through when we are facing things is a “season of life”.

Let’s take a look at the Spiritual seasons of life. We need to understand what is happening during a spiritual spring, summer, fall and winter. Once we have a clear understanding of the spiritual seasons, we are better equipped then to handle whatever life throws our way. 

SPIRITUAL SPRING

We all love the fresh feelings spring brings! There is just this new zest for life and an unstoppable feeling when we are in a spiritual spring. This is the time that we are planting those ideas that may have come to us during our winter and beginning to see the early stages of blossoms and warmth as our ideas begin to take root, through our relationships and connections. We are seeing God work on our behalf in our spiritual spring. This is a season that we typically don’t have a hard time trusting Him.

SPIRITUAL SUMMER

This is a time in the natural that we typically mix work with play. Although we are still diligently working, we should also be taking breaks so that we don’t overheat.

How does this apply spiritually? This is the time to reap what you planted during your spiritual spring. It’s a time to continue to work, while making sure to build refreshment and relaxation in as well.

This is also a time for us to get rid of those “weeds" that may want to pop up and get us distracted. If we limit our distractions, a spiritual summer can be very good to us.

I have not always done this personally. It’s so easy to find yourself in “burn-out” mode if you don’t take the necessary time to relax and enjoy life. 

SPIRITUAL FALL

If you look at nature this is typically a time of things falling away. This is when we see the temperature and leaves begin to change, which is how we know that fall is coming. Maybe God is calling some things to fall away in your life. What is He calling you to let go of?

Nature provides a great example of how this should look in our life. Often times we want to hold on and not let go of things that could potentially cause problems in our next season. Spiritual fall is a good time for you to grow your trust in God.

SPIRITUAL WINTER

In the natural, when we think of winter we think of rest. This is typically a time when things are not growing or blooming outside. Animals are hibernating (resting), and if we are smart we should take a cue from nature when God calls us into a spiritual winter. Spend time in prayer. Ideas will typically abound if you are getting proper rest during a spiritual winter.

We shouldn't resist the rest. Rather, we should welcome the opportunity to recharge! This is a good time to really hear from God on direction and next steps He would have you take. Take Him up on His graciousness and rest in Him.

Once we have a better understanding of the spiritual seasons we are able to more fully rely on God’s Grace during each season we find ourselves in. 

Just like in the natural, you may prefer or like one season more than the others. For example, my least favorite season has always been summer. It’s hot and humid here in the Midwest. I don’t like it. I know there is nothing I can do about it except stay in out of the heat and humidity. But I do have an anticipation of the next season - fall. It cools down. Then after that comes my favorite season - winter. I love the snow. 

Spiritually speaking, seasons change for us, as well. I was a pastor for many years. Then our season changed. Our gospel music ministry flourished once we accepted the change. God has a plan and He knows what He is doing. 

Don’t complain. Don’t be discouraged. Let’s cooperate with Him and enjoy the different seasons He brings to us. 

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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