“O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23, NKJV)
There are a few places in the world where seasons never change. The temperature remains fairly constant with only a few degrees variation. Other places experience only two seasons, a wet season and a dry season. I have always lived in areas with four distinct seasons. I’ve often wondered if living in a tropical area where each day just like the one before would eventually get boring. The changing seasons offers a fresh view of things.
Life also has seasons, some more enjoyable than others. Like in nature, each season of life has its own beauty and its own challenges. But each season offers lessons to be learned and blessings to be enjoyed.
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE CHANGE
We can expect changes in life. Some are expected and some are bewildering. Family circumstances change. Responsibilities shift. We move to a different location. Or, sometimes we find our area of ministry is transitioning to something different.
It is often difficult for us to adapt to change. We may have grown comfortable in our present circumstances and feel stressed when things shift. It can be scary, but at the same time it can be exciting. God is changing our season.
THE CONTRAST OF SEASONS
My recent Bible studies have centered on the life of Moses. To say he lived an interesting life is an understatement. Moses’ life can be viewed as three major seasons, each about forty years long. Each period of time was very different from the one preceding it.
The first forty years of his life centered around his place Pharaoh’s household. The second forty years found him living in Midian as a shepherd. What a contrast that must have been—from a life of palace comfort to caring for flocks of sheep in a dusty desert. His last forty years, his most challenging years, were spent in a wilderness tent. This time he wasn’t shepherding sheep. At the age of eighty, he began leading a multitude of grumbling, disobedient people toward a land promised by God.
LESSONS MOSES LEARNED
During his varied life experiences, Moses learned numerous, and valuable, lessons. There are too many to list here, but here are some of the things he learned and benefited from.
- He learned to embrace his calling and trust God to help him fulfill that calling. (Exodus 3)
- He learned the value of accepting the support of others when battles come. (Exodus 17)
- He learned to listen to wise counsel (his father-in-law). (Exodus 18)
- He learned to delegate responsibilities. He couldn’t do it all. (Exodus 18)
- He learned that disobedience brings consequences. (Numbers 20)
- He learned the value of mentoring the one who would follow him. (Numbers 27)
- He learned that age does not disqualify us for service. His leadership years were from 80 to 120. (Deuteronomy 31)
- He learned that God is faithful in every season and circumstance of life.
As the 120-year-old Moses passed the mantle to Joshua before the people of Israel, he assured them once more that God would always be faithful and go with them.
“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NKJV)
OUR SEASON NOW
Whatever your current season of life, there are lessons still to be learned, ministries to fulfill, and lives to touch. You may be a college student, a young mom, in a career, an empty-nester, a caregiver, a single parent, or facing your senior years. Whatever your season, God is still at work in your life. Remember to look for the beauty – even in the dark, difficult seasons. God is shaping you and teaching you valuable lessons.
We never know what God will do in our next season of life, but He will be with us. Always!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION
- What has been your most fulfilling season to this point?
- What has been your most challenging season?
- What lessons have you learned from these experiences?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
