Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven”
Everything in life is seasonal – this is one of the most important truths I have learned. God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, but it usually progresses through ‘times and seasons’. Living with the awareness of this truth has had a great impact on how I see and do life. This truth reminds me that a good thing at the wrong time is a bad thing altogether, and has the ability to derail God’s plan for my life.
With this awareness, I have learned to set the right goals and priorities for the current season. It has enabled me to focus and narrow down my priorities to the most important things for this season while preparing for the next. Secondly, it has also helped me overcome the temptation to compare my journey with that of others; it reminds me of the uniqueness of my journey and therefore builds patience in me; patience to wait for things to unfold according to God’s plan.
In 1 Chronicles 12:32 it states that “the sons of Issachar understood ‘the signs and the times’ and therefore, knew the best course for Israel to take” (paraphrased). Their awareness (or discernment) of the season they were in, helped them to make the right decision for the next season. It’s this truth that helps us to move at just the right pace to get to where God wants us.
The truth is, there is no ’10-step method’ of how one can get to this awareness but two things that have helped me are seeking God’s guidance and learning to engage fully in my current season. It’s through God’s guidance that His plan for our lives begins to unfold. He has led me to the right people and the right opportunities at just the right time. This coupled with an introspection of my motives, ambitions and passions (and submitting them to God’s will for guidance and correction) have helped to lead me onto a steady path. Life is an inside-out job – our external lives are a product of what’s happening on the inside. Also, I have learned to see each season of my life as a training ground for the next. With that in mind, I consciously practice being fully engaged and present in my current season, making sure I do my part well. I focus on the value of the lessons in that season rather than the hardships, and with this, I have seen that no season is ever wasted if you are fully engaged and present.
Regardless of whether or not you are aware of your current season, it’s never too late to find out so that you begin to take the necessary steps to usher you into your next season. Get into God’s presence and seek Him out for your own journey.