Ecclesiastes 3:1 – How to Embrace Seasons of Life

I love what Alicia Britt Chole says in her book “Anonymous: Consider the Trees”. In winter, a tree’s leaves are fewer and exposed, and no fruit comes out of them. Do they question who they are? No, they recognize their season. They know it is a season to grow deep roots, and they know that eventually, spring will come, and they will be able to grow beautiful green leaves and bear delicious fruits.

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens- Ecclesiastes 3:1

We live in a generation that continuously thinks about more, strives for instant gratification, and we question our identity when things don’t go according to plan.

But such an idea is contrary to how God designed us to live. Under God, there is a time and a season for everything. God created day and night, he created different seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. God did not forget who we are, and as long as we are alive, our purpose on earth remains. God is not limited by time, opposition, and insecurities.

By recognizing your season you can conquer obstacles and become the best version of yourself. My prayer is that you will not be stuck and that you can enjoy the fruits of your life, as you receive everything that God has for you. I pray for your hope will be restored and that you will be on your way to do great things.

What are the 3 Seasons of Life?

1. Wilderness Seasons (Winter)

Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Bring her into the wilderness and speak kindly to her. (Hosea 2:14)

I can picture Jesus being baptized by John, the heavens opening, and God saying, “This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.” However, right after, the scripture says that Jesus was led into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).In the wilderness, Jesus experienced temptations, lack, and isolation.

Many times, people feel like they have done something wrong when they find themselves in this season, and they allow shame and discouragement to take over their hearts. The wilderness is not God punishing you, but an invitation to intimacy with Him, a place where you can show up as you are and be vulnerable with Him.

 You may feel weak, and no fruits are evident in your life, but you will be growing deep roots. A lot of times it feels lonely, you are being molded through the waiting. It is the perfect season to accept the invitation of the Holy Spirit and draw near him and as you learn intimacy with him you will begin to grow stronger (spiritually). A season where your identity will be rooted in what God says about you and not determined by the world.

Related Article: How to Be Vulnerable With God by Releasing Negative Emotions

2. Transition Seasons (Spring and Fall)

Transition seasons are hard because you can feel the change and movement, but you are not quite sure where it is going. It may feel as if you are in a tunnel or taking a sharp turn on a hill; you cannot see what is on the other side, but you feel the momentum. Many times, your faith and character are tested, and there is a lot of letting go. You may feel the shift of the season, but a lot of times you may feel stuck here because you are trying to bring other people with you who are not supposed to be a part of the next season.

The quicker you let go of the things God is asking you to release, the quicker you can take the turn and be on your way. Do not allow fear, pride, and unhealthy behaviors to keep you stuck. I love Havilah Cunnington’s perspective on transitions; you don’t want to be the old person in the corner talking about the things you did in high school when God has so much more in store for you.

3. Breakthrough & Open Doors (Summer)

Aww.. Take a breath and relax, summer is here.  Everything is easy, there is favor,  There are open doors, opportunities, friendships, and community. A time to shine, a time to see the fruits of what came out of hidden seasons.

Related Article: 5 Tips to Run The Race & Finish Strong + Scripture!

Conclusion

Remember who you are 

I believe that the first attack in our lives is against identity. We see this in the book of Genesis, or even in Jesus’ life when He was in the wilderness. When we allow fear to make us doubt who we are, we begin to lose purpose and begin to feel lost. This is why it is so important to know who we are in God and what season we are in.

Stay away from comparison

Stay away from comparison, the lie of comparison is that you would dismiss your journey and how far you have come, by paying attention to someone else’s life. You cannot compare your season to someone else’s when God is writing your unique story, allow him to take the pen and continue to write, it is going to be beautiful.