Times & Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) says, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:” Right now, you’re in a season of your life - a specific time that God has ordained for you to accomplish a goal or fulfil a purpose. The Biblical concept of times and seasons is repeated everywhere in the Bible in one form or another, but all reaffirm the same never-changing truth: you are where you are right now for a purpose. God doesn’t place us in situations randomly or by chance, He knows every little thing concerning us and He is always working everything out for the good of those that love Him. (Romans 8:28) One of my all-time favourite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) that says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Often, when I would get anxious I would look at this verse and be reassured, once I knew that the LORD Himself declared that everything He’s doing is to prosper me, I knew there was no reason to worry about tomorrow, or next week or next year because He holds all times and seasons in His hands.

It’s so sad that many Christians today think they only have to interact with God in Sunday service. I used to think that God wasn’t concerned with me and my common trifles but those are exactly the kinds of misconceptions that arise from not truly knowing Him and making assumptions about who He is. I thought He didn’t really care if I behaved in a certain way or said certain things because He was God but not my God - I didn’t know Him for myself. When I started to talk to Him, just small simple prayers throughout the day, I was shocked and surprised at how willing and eager He was to help me with my “mundane” daily activities and I began to call on Him more and more often. He showed me that, no matter what stage of life I’m in, He’s interested in me and my heart and my life and He’s always ready to help me. I know who He is now and I can’t imagine ever navigating life alone like before; the wonderful thing about God is that, unlike human relationships, you can depend on Him whenever for whatever. He’s always just there for you and I know that if He did it for me, the LORD can surely do it for anyone who is willing to open their heart enough to let Him in.

Whether you’re just beginning your walk with God or you’ve been walking with Him for years, He’s the same God and He’s always ready to meet you where you are. He is constant and faithful - He places you in seasons and situations - some which may be difficult - for a particular purpose, but He will never put you through something by yourself. Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV) says, “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep his commandments.” One thing I’ve learned about God is that if He did something before He can always do it again, but He’s so unpredictable, most likely He won’t do it in the same way and if you believe in Him, He’ll be sure to top Himself again and again. However, in order for God to bless us, we need to be faithful in the position we’re in. Whenever God places you somewhere it’s for a reason, so make sure not to dismiss the place you’re at or the people He’s placed you with. Many times the seasons we’re in are trial runs for bigger and better things, and if we are faithful, trusting God and depending on Him for wisdom, we can not only be blessed but, even better, be blessings to others.

So I encourage you today to call on God, He doesn’t judge or condemn us as we are told in Romans 8:1 and He doesn’t hold our pasts against us. He’s the most loyal Friend you could ever have. God is always with you, wherever you may be, in everything you do. Trust Him with the place you’re at, open up your heart to Him and He’ll take you to heights you could never have imagined, truly when you encounter God for yourself your life will never be the same. He’ll be your Father, your Confidant, your Protector and whatever else you need Him to be whenever you need Him to. He will be faithful to help you in all things, the small and the big and He’ll always be patient with you.

Pray that God gives you the grace to navigate the season you’re currently in and be grateful for this time you get to spend uniquely with Him. Be faithful with where He has placed you and be mindful not to become weary and tired in doing the right thing; as you trust God, He will continue to replenish you and sustain you, as Nehemiah said in Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV) “...Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Allow Him to transform your heart and mind as you yield to His perfect will and watch your life change completely before your eyes. I believe the LORD sees the hearts of all those who are willing and obedient to Him, so believe in Him as He walks with you wherever you may be. He will certainly carry you through.