Seasons of Life

Seasons mark the rhythms of creation, the Church’s calendar, and the Spirit’s work in every human life.

Natural, Liturgical and Life Seasons

In the natural world, a season is a specific period of the calendar year—spring, summer, autumn and winter—marked by changes in weather, daylight and growing conditions (Gen 8:22). These four seasons form a pattern of sowing, growing, harvesting and resting: spring is a time of sowing, planting seeds in faith; summer is the growing period, maturing under the Spirit’s warmth; autumn is the time of harvesting, reaping the fruit of obedience; and winter is the season of resting, waiting while God prepares new life. Israel, in the northern hemisphere, experiences hot, dry summers from June to September. The rainy season runs from late November (early rains) to early March (latter rain), so the remaining months are called the dry season.

The Christian calendar also speaks of seasons, such as Advent and Lent, because their celebration covers an extended period of time. In the same way, we refer to the seasons, or stages, of human life. Thankfully, we are not all in the same season at the same time, so we can minister to and receive from one another as our situations dictate (2 Cor 8:14).

Recognising which season you are in is the first step toward walking with God through it.

Can you identify the current season of your life?

God’s Hand in Every Season

God changes the times and seasons in world affairs (Dan 2:21). While we do not know the specific dates on God’s calendar, Jesus taught that by observing world events we can discern when the end of the age is near (Mt 24:32–33, 36; Acts 1:7).

On a personal level, there are definite seasons—times of emphasis—when God is shaping our character. Each season makes its own demands: a dry season tests our resolve to keep following when we do not sense God’s closeness; a testing season uses adversity to develop maturity; a season of sowing focuses on faithfully sharing Christ in anticipation of harvest; and a reaping season comes when life is productive. No season lasts forever. Just as God governs the natural seasons, so He governs the times and sequences of events throughout our lives. Rather than resist, we are called to co-operate with Him, maintaining our walk and trust, for “it is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord (Zech 4:6).

Allow God to fulfill His reason for the season

Instead of asking “Why?” in hard times, ask “What can I learn from this?” Each event has purpose, and wisdom calls us not to fight or resist the period we are in, but to adjust and yield to God’s purpose for it.

Responding with Faith

Society often treats life as a quest for comfort and fun, but God is more interested in character, holiness, growth and maturity. When we submit our lives to His authority, He is sovereign and totally in control of the seasons of our lives. “All things work together for good to those who love God...” (Rom 8:28).

Just as in nature there are periods of intense, visible activity and productivity, so there are also necessary quieter times of dormancy in the inner life. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Eccl 3:1–8). At the proper time there will be a reaping if we do not grow weary (Gal 6:9). When the conditions and time are right, the seed planted in the ground will spring forth. Recognise, receive and run with what God is doing now.

Reflection and Application:

Which season of life are you in right now—sowing, growing, harvesting or resting?
What is one lesson God seems to be teaching you in this season?
How can you co-operate with the Spirit rather than resist the season?
Who around you is in a different season, and how can you support each other (2 Cor 8:14)?

See also: sovereignty of God, sow and reap, time/timing.