embrace your season

 

As I journal here, I must be honest. I’m having a difficult time finding the words. Finding words that actually portray a heart that is hurting, in more areas then I care to count, yet I find myself growing. And I persevere.

To be bluntly honest with you; this year has been one of the biggest growing experiences my husband and I have ever been through as a married couple. {And none of these issues have really had anything to do with our marriage in general – praising the Lord for this!} So much pain and hurting, broken hearts, health issues and so much more pain that cannot be mentioned. Yet despite it all, we are growing stronger. Together! So with a wounded heart, broken and hurting – longing for healing and a trust in the Lord that does not waver despite the circumstances we may be facing. Our God is the God of broken hearts, He is strong and mighty – and to not trust the God of this universe, would be entirely silly in my book.

In writing I’m not asking for pity. Only to share with you – I’m human. And like you, I hurt too. And I’ve not arrived. I’m simply writing to share with you what the Lord has been teaching me and working on my heart as of late.

Here in the midwest we enjoy a complete 4 seasons of changing weather. And particularly where we’re from, it can be 80 degrees one day and 30 degrees the next! {I’m not exaggerating either!} With the crazy patterns and temps…we’ve learned to roll with the punches, to accommodate our wardrobes to the crazy and often unforeseen weather.

And to be honest…I enjoy the different aspects about each seasonal change. And just like the masterpiece of God’s created seasons, the Lord also allows us an array of life changing seasons. These are not always genuinely enjoyed as much {mostly the difficult seasons.} ::wink:: Here is what I’ve been learning about Seasons of Life as of late.

• Seasons are part of life – by God’s design, life happens in seasons. Each season is unique and comes with its own challenges and blessings. Many seasons come and go at different lengths. But most seasons are brief and quickly passing. Just as one season comes to an end, a new and exciting one begins. Some seasons come with great pain. And some seasons are a perfectly blue sky all throughout. Each season designed by the Creator and Finisher of our lives with purpose. A purpose to grow us, and mold us. Just as one season ends, a new and exciting one begins.

• Contentment is great gain – I find myself in a season of life where I’m wishing I was in another. In each season of life we must each learn to be content. We must learn to enjoy the season we are in the NOW!
  

  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content Philippians 4:11
  

 

• God’s way is best – We only get one shot at life. We must try our best to get it right the first time around. You can never go wrong with God’s way. When in doubt – turn to His word.

• The fruit harvest comes in the right season – Some of the most wonderful blessings in life are worth each wait it requires. When we stay in close relationship with the Lord day after day, year after year – beautiful bountiful fruit of our lives comes with harvest of each season when we stay faithful.

And he will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in due season; his leaf also will not wither; and whatever he does will prosper.  Psalm 1:3 

 

 

• Spiritual battles are often present in seasons – These spiritual attacks come for a season and are gone for a season. We must always be on guard. Stay rested and in the word.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

 

• Make the most of each season – Something my husband and I have been trying our hardest to ingrain in our children is “how will your actions today, change your future tomorrow?” Just as we are in each season of life there are decisions to be made. We must ask ourselves that very question. Each action we take either good or bad in life, will affect our lives and the lives of future generations. Learn to evaluate every moment by moment decision with such a practical question. Each season in life is a chance to change the future. Pray and choose wisely.

• We’re never alone – One of the blessings of grace, is always being in the arms of a God of compassion and love. Whose all knowing, and never changing. The one who enables us to stand while He ever so lovingly holds our hand. He never let’s us go. He allowed each season to come, He will never leave us alone.
  
  
• Embrace your season –  Whether we realize it or not. Each season is a blessing in and of itself. Each season brings forth growth. Each season brings us closer to the Lord. Each season our faith is viewed in a brand new light. We find His grace and mercy. For when all self is gone, that is when true growth begins.

Your life is precious. It is blessed with seasons of life. Each season showered with thousands of moments, each moment spilling forth with memories. Each one orchestrated by a God who very much loves us.

In one of my most favorite life poems {whom sadly has no author.} is this last paragraph I hold very dear to my heart, especially during the hard seasons of life:

“I know more storms {seasons} will come, but only for my good, for pain and tears have helped me grow as nothing ever could. I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me. If in this storm {season} I’ll love Him more, that’s where I want to be.”

Thank the Lord for your season. Help me cherish every one in contentment to live out my season
well! One day I want to look back on it with deep gratitude. For with each season comes much growth.

Just ahead is a new season – a new season to fully embrace with joy. To allow God’s glory to shine in and through us. Let’s Make it beautiful.

Embrace your season friend – God’s not finished with our stories just yet!