What We Do If the Season Changes

Key Points

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Jeremiah 29:11-13 Genesis 12:1-3 Jeremiah 31:3, 12 Psalm 119:89 Isaiah 40:8 Hebrews 13:8

Introduction

  • Life is full of seasons: joy, sorrow, growth, rest.
  • As believers, we can trust that God has a purpose in every season of our lives, even when we don't understand.
  • Some seasons are chosen, some are unwelcome, but all require adjustment, sacrifice, and good stewardship.
  • How we adjust determines what happens next or how long an unwanted season lasts.
  • What if God calls us to be faithful stewards even of hard experiences? What if blessings, healing, or closeness to God come through trials and suffering?
  • Change is inevitable. The question is: How can we navigate change with courage, grace, and peace to make the most of each season and glorify God?
  • The first step is to accept that change is something we can't change.

Three Things to Do When Seasons Change:

1. Trust God with Your Future

  • Where you are is not where you will always remain. Unwanted or pressure-filled seasons won't last forever.
  • God is at work in every season to take you to a place of blessing. Don't let current difficulties define your future.
  • In dark or cold seasons, talk to God about your future and rest secure in His plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
  • You can let tough seasons break your heart, or you can give your heart completely to God for strength and help.
  • Don't assume your current situation will always be the same (e.g., loneliness, financial difficulty). You are in a season, not forever.
  • What you're experiencing is a chapter, not the entire book of your life.
  • Resist the urge to make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. Impulsive decisions can extend unwanted seasons.
  • Trusting God with your future means being peaceful and not panicking, knowing that God holds your future.

2. Walk by Faith, Not by Sight

  • Don't define life as good or bad solely by what you see and experience physically or emotionally. There's a spiritual dimension.
  • Focus on who God is and what God can do.
  • The worst experiences can become the vehicle for life's greatest blessings.
  • Example: Abraham
    • God called Abraham to a new place without revealing the destination (Genesis 12:1-3).
    • Abraham was asked to walk by faith, trusting God to lead him.
    • His obedience to change brought immense blessings: a great nation, a great name, a blessing to all people through his offspring (the Messiah).
    • Abraham's life is a study in walking by faith; he is famous because of his faith.
  • Without faith, there won't be obedience. Without obedience, there won't be blessing.
  • Believe that God's way is best and that He will take care of you during transition.
  • Don't focus on what change will cost you, but on what God can do in your life when you follow Him in faith.

3. Cling to What Is Unchanging

  • God's love for you never changes. (Jeremiah 31:3)
    • He is committed to you; times won't always be difficult.
    • You will be strengthened, get through the season, and rejoice, sing, and dance again. You will be productive.
    • Rest in God's unchanging love, which has the power to build you up again and again.
    • God turns mourning into gladness, providing comfort and joy instead of sorrow (Jeremiah 31:12-13).
  • The depth of someone's love is often revealed in difficult times when they don't leave your side, offer support, or help provide.
  • Press into God's love during overwhelming and dark changes because He is the only thing that never changes.
  • God's Word is unchanging. (Psalm 119:89, Isaiah 40:8)
    • It stands firm, has stood the test of time, and remains relevant and powerful despite opposition.
    • When you need something to get you through difficult times of change, cling to the Word of God: read it, listen to it, meditate on it, memorize it.
  • Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Conclusion

  • When seasons change, we have a choice.
  • We can choose to accept life's transitions and ask for grace, or we can complain, which won't make life easier.
  • Choose to give your future to God, believing He will lead you to a better place as you follow Him in faith.
  • Go deeper in His love, be intentional about His Word, and hold onto His hand.
  • God has a purpose in every season of our lives. Invite Him into your heart during changing seasons; He will lead and guide you because He has a better plan.

Call to Action / Reflection:

  • Reflect on your current season.
  • Are you trusting God with your future?
  • Are you walking by faith, not by sight?
  • Are you clinging to God's unchanging love and His Word?