Why did God give us different seasons in nature to go through? When we think about the four seasons that we are familiar with; which are fall, winter, spring, and summer. We can identify each changing season with the spiritual seasons in our lives as well, but how do you identify the season in which you are? First, you have to align natural seasons with what is going on around you. Rest assured that God is perfect in all His ways and He will always show us that everything he created is for our good, purpose, and growth. And as we dive in-depth into each season I am going to show you how each of these seasons is related both physically and spiritually.
Fall: the let go and let God season…
When you think of fall, you think of the leaves changing color and falling to the ground, plants dying, and animals preparing for more tolerable weather. Likewise; in your spiritual fall – God is calling you to lose something or some people to move to the next phase in your life. There are some things that you might be holding onto that are holding you back and not until you let it go will you get a breakthrough. There may be people around you who should not be and because you are afraid of hurting their feelings you continue to let that person bring you down. There are times when people move away from you as well, but you will be the one to make all kinds of excuses as to why they should stay close to you, thinking you might need them. JUST LET THEM GO!!! I remember some years ago my husband and I were fasting and praying for something and we knew God had answered our prayers, but there was a blockage and it was not until it was revealed to us to lose contact with certain people that we were able to get our breakthrough – not that I am saying they were bad, I’m just saying God could see what we couldn’t. So don’t feel bad if God asks you to lose some people or even move away, it is always in your best interest. Abraham had to leave his family behind and move away from them for God to fulfill the promise through him. There are places He will take you that they are not fit to go, there are heights He will elevate you to that they can’t reach, so trust what He is doing in your life, and don’t be surprised when you see a turnaround.
Winter: the rest, recharge, and evaluate season…
This is the season where everything has pretty much gone to sleep. It’s cold and gloomy and it gives you the vibe of not in the mood for anything season. This season in your life is where you don’t feel much is happening, you feel God is very distant from you and you start to question your purpose. Spiritual winter is a critical season in the life of a believer because it is the time to evaluate where you are in Christ, change some things to get closer to Him, and study His word. God uses this season for you to seek Him, spend more time with Him, be filled up, and for Him to give you new insights. Though it is a relaxing and restful season, it has to be a season to recharge, plan, pray, listen, and prepare for the ideas that God has given you for the next seasons ahead. Don’t be lapse-daisy because this is also a time when the enemy can use depression, loneliness, and unproductivity to keep you from seeking and spending time with God. So spend time with Him and allow Him to speak to you, recharge, and strengthen you.
Spring: sowing and planting season…
Who doesn’t love that fresh, bright feeling that spring brings? It is a time when everything that was resting during winter is starting to come back to life. You can hear birds chirping, see the flowers blooming and the trees starting to get their bright green color once again. This is a time when people start to get their gardens ready for planting and sowing seeds. Spiritual spring is the same process. All your ideas that God has given you during the winter season now have a chance to be sown, planted, watered, and cared for. Now you get to watch the move of God in your life because He allowed all your ideas to spring forth, but keep your eyes peeled open and continue to water them with prayer. As those ideas start to take root and germinate; you see the tares of the enemy start to show up to try and choke your ideas before they come to bear fruit by sending weeds and tares among them which can be translated to people that will try to influence you with their negative words and corrupt heart. God is the one that gives you those ideas and as long as you put Him as the manager and overseer, no devil can stop it. You will see the work of God evident in your life through trusting Him in your winter season. God gave you the seed(s), you do the planting, He sends the sun and the rain and brings every idea to life. For your seed – your ideas to come to fruition you have to put in the work; without the work, there is no harvest. Your seed is no longer an idea once it has been planted it is now blooming and has fruits, getting ready for the harvesting season. This brings you into your final season.
Summer: Harvesting/reaping season…
Summer is my favorite season of the year because I get to lose all the layers of clothing, and do the things that I enjoy doing that I couldn’t do in the other seasons. I also like the fact that I get to harvest my vegetables. Summer is your spiritual harvesting season; all your hard work and time have finally paid off. You get to see the fruits of your labor and eat them as well. You can now reap all that you have sown with the help of God. Now is the time to take a break, have fun, enjoy time with family and friends, and be at peace because your harvest is full and God has given you rest from your hard work. Do not forget that even though this is a season to enjoy, you cannot take it for granted. God has rewarded you, but the enemy will still try to bring people around you who are wolves in sheep’s clothing to contaminate your blessings. So be on guard and remember that you may be taking it easy physically, but don’t spiritually. Also, don’t forget that your harvest is not only for you, it is to be shared with others. Your hands have to always be open to help those in need. The more you give, the more God will increase you. Do not be like the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 who hugged all his possessions for himself.
“Be watchful, Be prayerful, and pray without ceasing.”
God has given you four seasons in your physical life, but it is a mirror for your spiritual life. Once you can identify with each season in your life, you will be better prepared for each of them. Each season prepares you for the other. Letting go of some things and some people to move into a season where you seek God, to the sowing and then the harvesting. Now that you have gotten a more detailed look into your spiritual seasons, how will you handle each one when it comes?
While the earth remained, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease (Genesis 8:22).
Father in heaven I am thankful for the seasons that you have brought into my life. I know they are there as guidance on how I live my life and how much I desire to go deeper, stronger, and higher in you. You are the most loving God, you created me to have fellowship with you so I can be who you have me to be and see greatness in myself. Help me not to take these seasons for granted, but allow me to approach them with a willing and accepting heart for I know that my faith can only get stronger with every passing season.
Amen!
