Life, in particular, spiritual life can and has been described like seasons. Spring being a time of growth, Summer a time of thriving, Fall as a resting period or a time to take a breath and then there is Winter. A time of death of old things, our lives can go into hibernation, it can feel lonely and hopeless. That is where I am as I type this, not yet hopeless, not yet lonely but definitely the death of something, the refining of something. It is very unfamiliar territory for me. It has been a while since I have been in a winter season, You see God is teaching me things right now that I will need for the Spring and Summer. You know, when I am growing and thriving. These spiritual seasons don't necessarily follow the earths patterns. As I reflect back over the last few years I can say that from 2002 to about the end 2005 I was in a season of high growth, like miracle grow kind of growth! Then from 2006 through the middle of 2009 it was Summer. God and I were kicking some serious butt for the Kingdom! Freedom and Life were everywhere. Then about July of 2009 I went into a season of rest or fall. I really felt God calling me to that as well. Then about October of '09 without me realizing it, winter began to settle in...
A winter season doesn't mean that God isn't present, just the opposite, I know He is right in the middle of it with me. I feel His presence, He provision, His peace and guidance. It still isn't a fun season, but a necessary one that we all must go through.
The hope I have is here; "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1. Isn't that beautiful! Do I feel joyful, no, but I should consider it all joy to be go through various trials because God is producing endurance in me!
I love God. God thank you for loving me enough to put me through winter!
What season are you in?