What determines the course of your life? What happens when everything seems out of control? The average person likes to be in control of things that happen to them and life in general. In fact, I have not met anyone who prefers to stay out of control regarding things that concern them. We all like to be in control, at least to an extent, but does our quest for control override times and seasons? The short answer is no, because life is structured in seasons. Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” No matter how unhappy you are with the winter, you cannot change the season to summer. The only thing you can do is to make the most of the winter, stay happy, and enjoy the season as much as you can, because it’s all a matter of time before summer comes. In the same way, God wants us to know that our lives are structured in seasons, which makes it important to understand times and seasons and adjust our lives accordingly, in God’s will.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives insight into the times and seasons of life. It is important to put God at the centre of all the seasons of life, because He knows and sees what we do not. In difficult seasons, seek God; in happy seasons, seek God. Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” No matter how challenging your season may be, God assures you of His presence and says you will not be consumed by that season. Therefore, do not allow the devil to steal your joy. Stay connected to God through prayers and Bible study, and remain in the community of Christians who strengthen your faith.
In every challenging season, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow. Do not be too focused on the pain that you miss out on the chance to learn what God is doing in you and perhaps through you. Some people focus so much time sulking that even when the season ends, they find it hard to move past that phase. Instead of sulking and feeling sorry for yourself, use the season to build your joy and resilience through God. Romans 5:3-5 “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love”.
Years ago, I went through a difficult season of unemployment, which made me feel sad all the time because I believed there was no reason for me to be without a job. I often felt sorry for myself, as if no matter how hard I tried, there were no results. However, during that season, I picked up a hobby and drew closer to God. Now, looking back, I am grateful I didn’t waste that time, as it would have been a great regret. No matter what season you are in, remember that God is the author of all seasons, and you cannot navigate them successfully without Him. Spend time seeking God, and you will realize it is a worthwhile journey. Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
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