I love how God created a natural system that in many ways reflects His workings in the spiritual. The natural world is faced with different seasons, and each season accomplishes a purpose on the earth. Similarly, God uses seasons in our lives to develop us and to fulfill His purpose on the earth.
In the old days, people were more in tune with seasons because their lives and livelihood depended on it. My grandparents owned vineyards and orchards, and where they lived enjoyed having all the four seasons. They planned out their particular activities based on the upcoming seasons. During winter when they had heavy snow, there was not much outside work to do with for my grandfather. However, when the season changed, he would begin to work in the fields along with his laborers. During harvest, my grandparents would move from the city to the village to be closer to their crop. My grandmother would use the bounty in summer to prepare fresh meals for the family. At the same time, she made pickles, preserves, cheeses, and she canned vegetables in preparation for the upcoming winter.
Nowadays, most people do not work on farms and their lives do not depend on local farms. We can have any produce we wish at any time of the year. We also go to a 9-5 job, which generally its nature does not change from one season to another, so we have a different mindset about life and seasons. We think that whenever we want something from God, it must be the right time to have it. When we don’t get it, we become disappointed and disillusioned with God and with our walk with God.
Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; Genesis 1:14
Seasons are God’s creation, and the Lord uses them to speak to us and to teach us about His ways. At any one time, the earth is going through two very distinct seasons. If the Northern Hemisphere is closer to the sun, it is going through its spring and summer. At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere is going through its fall and winter season. Similarly, People around us may be in a different season than we are. That’s why Paul said that comparing ourselves to others is not wise!
God uses seasons for propagation in the life of animals and vegetation, and He also uses them to make us fruitful! We need to be in tune with our seasons and make necessary preparations for the upcoming season. Spend sometime in the Word and in prayer and ask the Lord to show you about the season that you are in.
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
