Different Seasons

          

         Another great meeting with an amazing set of ladies. We really were able to open up and share personal examples of times we've experienced the topic discussed. These meetings were created to allow young women to feel comfortable and be transparent about ANYTHING, but they're also a great way to let loose after a busy week, laugh and enjoy each other's company and that is exactly what we did! Starting off with reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. We discussed the different spiritual seasons. The girls then participated in a critical thinking activity. They were given 4 real life scenarios to read. After reading each scenario, it was the group's responsibility to discuss what season they thought the person was in for that particular scenario, a few things that helped them know it was really that particular season and what are some things they would do if they were in that season.

         Just like each season varies depending on where we are geographically, There are spiritual seasons that we need to recognize as we continue to mature in Christ. They are not particularly named but they can be compared to natural seasons. Spiritual seasons vary on where we are spiritually. And no just because it is Summer in New England, does NOT mean you are in Summer spiritually! Each season God puts us in is preparation for the next in which we will have a unique role or purpose.

Description of Spiritual Seasons

Winter: A time of brokenness where you feel God has forgotten about you or isn't hearing your prayers. However, it should be the time where you decide to cling closer to and REST in Him more than you ever have. Its probably one of the most uncomfortable seasons for a Christian. Where we feel nothing is going right. 

        Example: Not finding a job, not getting into a desired school, losing friendships, a general stop on all opportunities.

Spring: Newness of life!! Spring time may mean planting new opportunities and new activities. Maybe a new way to do devotions or a new ministry God wants to put you in, new relationships or new ways to serve God. Whatever it may be,follow Gods lead on everything and be obedient.

        Example: Getting engaged, joining a new church, starting a new ministry, new friendships.

Summer:  A time of spiritual development to nurture the gifts God has given to you. It’s a time for prayer (more than usual) over the seeds or projects you’ve started in your previous season. They become fully grown and everything seems "peachy" but this is the season to cling on to God and stay connected to Him because if not careful, we forget where we came from. We forget what God has done for us and become spiritually arrogant because we think that we "made" it on our own when in reality it's God's grace and favor that got us there. Always make sure to keep your relationship with God in check!

        Example: Making sure you're nurturing the new relationships you've started, 
       continuing to put forth effort in that new idea God placed on your heart, doing 
       the right thing at work even though you may dislike your job and want to leave.

Fall: A time of transition and reflection, things start to slow down. You find yourself maybe reevaluating your values and priorities. You start to go back to the basics of faith.

        Example: Realizing certain traits you need to work on personally,cutting back on certain unnecessary friendships, mending relationships, change in taste buds (music, tv shows, environment).

Keep in mind that it is possible to be in different seasons in different aspects of your life. You may be in financial Winter, but Spring when it comes to relationships, etc. Its important for us to recognize which season we are in, in order to hear God's exact instruction for our life. God always gives us instructions but each one has its time, no season is ever permanent. Our task as women of God is to remain content in whatever the situation may be and keep our focus on our relationship with Him more than anything else.

So, there are basically two somewhat neutral seasons, one really awesome and one really uncomfortable. Here are a few things that might help you deal with whatever season you may currently be in.

•       SEEK HIM. Spend more time with God than usual.
•   Pray for clarity and wisdom and not what you "want" or "need".
•     Transparency, be COMPLETELY open with God about how you feel during this time.
•  Use prayer as a conversation with God. Bring your cares and worries to 
•     Him before complaining to anyone else.
•  Wait on Him,don't try to "fix" your life or situation on your own. God always wins.
•   Memorize and recite scripture that pertains to your current situation. (2 Timothy 3:16)
•    Lastly, always remember that you are a beloved child of God and He wants the best for you in His time. (Galatians 6:9)