Seasons of Our Lives

Here on the East coast of the United States, we're finally getting some sunshine after literally weeks straight of rain every day. And it's been beautiful springtime in the morning, but scorching summer in the afternoon. With the change of seasons, the Lord is bringing seasons up to my mind and heart.

God works in our lives in seasons – desert seasons, seasons of rest, seasons of growth, seasons of learning, seasons of mentoring, seasons of blessing, seasons of pouring out, seasons of pain, and many more.

One of the enemies greatest deceptions is to get us to believe our current season is forever. Clues that we've fallen into this trap are when we start thinking, “That's just the way I am,” or “That's the way it will always be, I better get used to it.” James says our life is just a vapor (James 4:14). How much more the seasons of our lives! God is a God of healing, restoration, and new things.

Some of my favorite verses about seasons:

“Who is this, coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?” – Song of Songs 8:5

“See, the winter has past, the rains are over and gone.” – Song of Songs 2:11

“Behold, I am making all things new!” – Revelation 21:5

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6. (My wife & I pray this one constantly over our kids.)

I had a friend who had a dream about the leaders in his ministry in a bus. Jesus is driving the bus up a hill, painfully slowly, slower than walking speed. And they are all going, “C'mon, will you hurry up!” But Jesus just grins. Then, when the bus crests the top of the hill, Jesus floors it. Lost in the sudden rush of weightlessness, they are all shouting, “Slow down! Slow down!” Jesus is smiling the whole time.

Sometimes the seasons in our lives seem painfully slow or terrifyingly fast. But God is in control of both. Jesus is driving the bus.