Just as nature’s seasons each have beauty and purpose, so too do the seasons of our lives—whether joyful, painful, restful, or transitional—and when we embrace God’s purpose in each one, we grow in faith, gratitude, and dependence on Him.
Can I see a show of hands for how many people are happy spring is finally here? I’m guessing EVERY hand went up.
Although I’m sure a few diehard autumn lovers out there would prefer the beautiful foliage and crisp, cool air over sneezing, watery eyes and green everywhere. I find it interesting that most of us are ready for the next season and embrace every aspect of that season, even the cold and snow of winter, which can have its charm, especially around Christmas. Some of us, however, embrace the new season for a moment and then are ready to be back in our favorite season, whatever that time of year might be.
On a trip to San Diego, California, years ago, I discovered that the season I feel the most myself in is late spring, early summer. The San Diego temps are camped out in that season’s range pretty much year-round, and the beautiful sunshine was just a balm for my soul. This year, in particular, I have not been very gracious regarding the weather God has ordained. In my neck of the woods, we just experienced our 22nd Saturday in a row of rain. Next week’s Saturday forecast is no different. I get in a bad mood on Friday just knowing it’s going to rain on Saturday, and then I’m plain angry on Saturday watching the rain. It’s not a pretty picture, both outside and in.
The weather is a good representation of life in general. We aren’t always going to have “sunny circumstances”. "As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will not cease." Genesis 8:22 Once the fall of man came in the Garden of Eden, man’s “curse” was to work the land unceasingly and with that consequence came too much rain, too little rain, scorching heat or icy cold. Yet in God’s mercy, He has sent beauty with every season, even the rainy seasons when the earth bursts forth with flora from the nourishing rains. Anyone who has visited desert areas can attest to their breathtaking beauty. Or if you’ve gone on an Alaskan cruise and saw the icebergs, they are lovely. There is beauty in every season, and that includes every season of life. But do we embrace it? Do we even recognize it?
Let’s look at how to embrace God’s purpose for every season of life.
Spring
As far as the weather is concerned, spring is one of those seasons that brings hope and a renewed sense of life. The temperatures are getting warmer, the garden beds
are prepared, and seeds are planted, with the promise of a beautiful harvest in the summer. The birds cheer us with their songs while we bask in the sun, climbing higher in the sky as the days grow longer.
By contrast, a spring season in life may not paint such a blissful picture. Springtime in the gardens brings about growth, and so it is for God’s children. However, growth as a child of God sometimes requires difficulty or pain to encourage “sprouts of wisdom, strength, and Godly confidence.”
None of us would say, “Oh, I hope I have a season of pain and suffering.” That would just be weird. Lol. However, when we are in a season of pain and suffering, a springtime season if you will, and we understand the why behind that season, we will be able to embrace God’s purpose for “our springtime”. Embrace means to accept or support willingly. Indeed, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we submit to His Lordship over our lives, which means we embrace His purpose for our lives in all things, including difficult seasons.
The next time you are in a spring season of growth, be encouraged by these words from the Apostle Paul found in Romans 5:3-5: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” What a beautiful progression of growth that will bring about a spiritual bounty in your life.
When you look past the pain IN the season, you can embrace God’s purpose FOR the season.
Summer
We all would like to be in a perpetual summer season of life. Everything is excellent—times of rest, refreshment, family, and fun. During those seasons, you feel like you don’t have a care in the world.
A word of caution: Life’s summer seasons can be a detriment if they cause us to forget God and not call upon Him or spend time with Him because our life is easy now, and “we don’t need Him.” This is why embracing God’s purpose in the blessings of a summer season is so important. Recognize it as the Lord’s grace and peace upon you, allowing you time to regroup, count your blessings, and be grateful in all things, giving Glory to God for His tender mercies.
When we embrace God’s purpose for our “summertime season "(We) will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11
Autumn
The leaves of autumn certainly go out in a blaze of glory. Last fall, my husband and I took a ride up through Vermont, and in all my years, I have never seen mountains arrayed in such majestic color. It’s interesting to see how on one side of the road a mountain has a burst of color, and on the opposite side the mountain is already barren—a striking contrast of the effects of temperature and sunlight. The trees need warm days and cold nights to get the vibrant colors of fall.
In an Autumn season of life, we may experience good times and bad times; it’s all about how we react that brings about a beautiful display of color before “losing our leaves”. I’ve always been in awe of people who, like Job, can say, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21 when suffering significant loss. Indeed, when they are in the autumn season of life, they show incredible grace and beauty in the face of that loss by honoring the Lord.
If you find yourself in an Autumn season, embrace God’s purpose for you by bringing Him Glory in full dependence upon Him as you shine forth the light of Christ in all that you do and say.
Winter
It’s so interesting how, in the wintertime, humans seem to “hibernate” like certain animals. We tend to hunker down, enjoying cozy nights and a slower pace of life. It may be cold outside, but the warmth of the fireplace cheers our hearts.
When the Lord sends a winter season into our lives, it could present differently. One of the more surprising ways is through sickness. A few years ago, I remember thinking, “I’m just so busy. It would be nice to have an excuse to lie around on the couch and not feel guilty.” Welp, be careful what you wish for, because the following week, I ended up with a fever that indeed had me on the couch for a week! Your winter might also be a somewhat permanent season as you face your retirement years, when traditional work has ceased. Or it could be as simple as a rest time with a much lighter schedule. Whatever the reason, a winter season can be a gift, or at least for those who like a slower pace. It could feel like a curse for anyone who thrives on work or busyness.
Whichever camp you fall in, by embracing God’s purpose for a winter season, your mind and body will get the rest it needs to receive clarity and focus on how you can bring glory to God while serving Him in whatever capacity He has for you. By spending time in your winter season, you have the opportunity to “Be still and know that He is God.” Psalm 46:10
God has a purpose for every season, and we should embrace it!
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/alexmak72427
