"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1. "Everything" in life has its own "season".For instance, there is "a time to be born, and a time to die" (3:2). When God created the four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter, He was teaching us lessons about life and death from nature (First the natural and then the spiritual B 1 Cor. 15:46). In the season of spring, there is newness everywhere, bright colors, beauty and new hope and promise of good days to come. In summertime, there's great fruitfulness and pleasant days B days of vacationing and partying. In the fall, there's the "falling of leaves" signaling an end of the fruit season and unique beauty everywhere, though lengthening shadows presage coming changes as daylight slowly fades. Finally, in winter, there is cold, bareness, shorter days and longer nights.
Our lives are in many ways like the four seasons. From birth to young adulthood is like spring-teeming with new experiences and idealistic hope for the future. Our most enjoyable years of raising families and our most productive years of employment are like Summer. As kids move away to college and raise their own families, we prepare for retirement and see our bodies begin to age and "fall apart" (ha, ha): this is like fall. And, the retirement and "sunset" years become a time of struggling against diseases of aging, burying of mates and long term friends, and ourselves preparing to leave this world-this is our Winter.
The wisest man on earth, who wrote Ecclesiastes 3, adds this to his teaching on "seasons", "He hath made everything beautiful in His (or "its") time." (3:11). Each of the four seasons has its own beauty. Even winter has, at times, perhaps the most beautiful scene of all with fresh, clean, white, glistening snow covering everything. If we are to "Serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2), we need to learn to see the beauty of each season of our life and to "grow old gracefully" as we discern God's hand and blessing during every season. We also need to make sure we don't violate inherent scriptural laws for each season.
We adults wince when we see young people trying to live like adults, trying to hurry their youth by quitting school, experimenting sexually, marrying too young, or smoking and drinking. Theirs is meant to be season of innocent exploration, worry-free, full of adventure and excitement. Still, Solomon had a special warning for those in this season of life, "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment" (Eccl. 11:9).
One of the rules for this season of youth is to, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land" (Exodus 20:12). Mistakes (or sins) made in our youth can follow us all our lives. Truly, we "reap what we sow" (Gal. 6:7, 8). If youth obey their parents, and live their lives "before the Lord", they will succeed and pass to their summer season. But, they nevertheless must carefully prepare themselves for their next season by appropriate dating, education, good work record, saving money.
During each period of life, we should be preparing for the next season of life, just as in the natural, we must prepare for the four seasons (i.e.: may need, to shop for summer clothing, repair an air conditioner, put snow tires on our car, winterize our homes, etc.). This past winter was my first time to live in the mountains. Because I had not properly covered outdoor plumbing, a pipe gasket burst and I had to pay a plumber to repair it. Also, I thought to myself that I would wait until all the leaves had fallen off the trees before I raked them up. Unfortunately, the snow began to fall before I could do so, and then the leaves were too wet to rake and piled too high. So, we waited until spring to finally get them up. Some of the grass underneath had died, and it was such a big job that we hired someone to help. Next fall, it will be different!
During the season of my youth, I also made a similar mistake. Immediately after graduating from Bible college, I marched down to the Social Security office and opted out of the S.S., which I had a right to do as a minister. I figured the Lord would be coming long before I got old and needed any financial help from the government. But, when I got older and realized that the Lord might not come as soon as I anticipated, I opted back into S.S. and began paying into it. Now, I'll be able to start drawing from S.S.I. in a few years! (Wouldn't Kathy have been disgusted B if otherwise? Ha, ha!)
In the "summer" of our lives, we need to prepare for our children's future by saving for their college education. In the "fall", we need to save for retirement and prepare our wills. In the "winter", we need to plan our senior care, our burial etc. Preparing for the each of the coming four seasons of the calendar and for life's "four seasons" as well, is wisdom and a natural part of life. Don't make the mistake of not preparing for your next life season!
The four calendar seasons and their sundry signs in the sky, temperature and flora are highly visible and easy for all to discern. And, the "four seasons" of our life: youth, productive years, empty nest and retirement and our "sunset years" are quite obvious too. But, there are other seasons that are not as easily discernable but are very important to understand. Jesus rebuked those who could "discern the face of the sky and of the earth" but could not "discern this time. " (Luke 12:56). There was one totally unique season in history B the few years Jesus walked this earth. Those who discerned that time and embraced Christ and His teachings were a most blessed people (Matt. 13:16, 17). Those who didn't, will be judged severely (Matt. 12:41, 42). Seasons are not forever!
Webster defines a "season" as not only the year divided up into four quarters, but also as: "a) a time characterized by a particular circumstance (i.e. a season of religious awakening); b) a suitable or natural time or occasion (i.e. "when my season comes"); c) a period of the year characterized or associated with a particular activity or phenomenon. Ecclesiastes 3 explains it this way: "There is ... a time to break down, and a time to build up ... A time to weep, and a time to laugh ... A time to get, and a time to lose ... A time of war, and a time of peace." Some of our politicians want to prematurely pull out our troops from Iraq. They mistakenly think that it is "a time of peace".
As long as the Al Queda is chanting "death to America" and strapping suicide bombs on teenagers, it will be "a time of war" for America.In the coming election, we need to ask the Lord for leaders who like the "children of Issachar" are "men that had understanding of the times (or seasons) to know what Israel (America) ought to do." (1 Chron. 12:32).
Everyone reading this newsletter is in some special "season" of his life. To fail to discern what that season is and to take advantage of its unique opportunities is one of life's greatest tragedies. It was said of Pharaoh in Jeremiah 46:17 that he was "but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed". An appointed time is a season, given us from the Lord, with which to accomplish certain things. Pharaoh had the destiny of a nation in his hands and missed one of the greatest opportunities in history to do good. "He hath passed his time appointed' is the King James translation of v. 17. Moffat translates it, "he has let his chance go by". Are you letting your chance go by? The New English Bible says it best: "the man who missed his moment". Are you missing your moment?
The tragedy of missing our "moment"-our season of opportunity from the Lord B has both scriptural and historical precedent. Pharaoh was one prime example. One notable one from history was Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister of The Untied Kingdom. His policy of appeasement with Hitler in the late 1930's helped precipitate the Second World War. What if he had been uncompromising in his dealings with Hitler? How might history have been changed?
If we don't understand the seasons of our life we will live in regret of the past, in disappointment of the present or with unrealistic expectation of the future. Not discerning seasons of God can result in confusion, depression, and life-decisions that later prove to be in error. Also, learning to observe and anticipate seasons, accept them with joy, and maximize their potential is life's great challenge and privilege. There is reward for those who are faithful over the talents (could talents be personal seasons of opportunity?). God expects us to use them productively (Matthew 25:14-21).
Seasons are temporary and seasons change. When we find ourselves in a season where we feel productive and fulfilled, we often are so satisfied in it, that we tend to resist change. For instance, the church has virtually always resisted a new move of God. The New Testament church was having a great time experiencing the blessings of watching the apostles perform miracles and provide for their food and lead great church services in Jerusalem. It took persecution to spread the disciples into other communities and areas that also needed exposure to the gospel. The church season had changed!
You probably saw the Rolling Stones, now in their 60's, prancing around the stage singing rock and roll songs during the Super bowl, trying to recapture and maintain something from a long-past season and prove they were still "cool". My daughter said she and other Bible college students watching them busted up laughing. Why? Because it is impossible to be Rock and Roll Cool when you're old. (One person apparently threw a "depends" on the stage during their performance and Mick Dagger picked it up and threw it off. Ha, ha!). Most mature Christians don't try to dress like teenagers and be cool. But, we too often make the same mistake of fighting to stay in a familiar, secure place, when God wants us to move on!
I was the youth leader at the Upland, California Foursquare Church for 3 years. After graduation, I was appointed Minister of Youth at that church and paid the executive salary of $30 per week. I loved that city, the church and the teenagers. I had little thought of moving on to any other ministry. But, like a mother eagle kicking her reluctant young birds out of the nest to make them advance to the next stage of their life, God began dealing with me about change. He used leadership conflicts, false accusations, and other unsettling circumstances, until I finally saw the handwriting on the wall and resigned my position and did the work of an evangelist. Within months, Kathy and I were married and off to the next season of life.
I became Minister of Youth at the Crescent City, Northern California Foursquare Church-something that would not have happened had I remained in Upland. And thus began one of the most fruitful season of my entire ministry. It was 1971 and the "Jesus Movement" (a season of the American church) was in full-swing. Many teenagers came to Christ! That summer we had something going on for the youth 6 nights a week. It was a wonderful season indeed-one I could easily have missed!
It was at Crescent City that I made another mistake so many other Christians make. I rushed forward into another season of life when God wasn't through with the present season! It was during a conversation with the pastor that he (probably discerning that I was restless and unsatisfied with my ministry) commented something to the effect that he didn't want me to overstay my ministry there. (In retrospect, I understand that he was being a "father in the faith" to a young man and simply letting me know that he would work with me if there was to be some transition in my ministry at some time in the future). But, in my selfishness and antsy immaturity, I immediately went home and told Kathy that we were leaving the church.
Within a week (Lord have mercy!), we had packed our things and headed back to the comfort and security of my parents home and Southern California. Unfortunately, it proved to be a very unfruitful summer, where I ended up doing janitorial type work to pay bills. I grimace as I think of the likely productive ministry that could have taken place in the life of those young people that summer, had I patiently waited on God for the appropriate season to move on. Are you antsy for change? Wait on God for His timing to change your circumstances.
As Isaiah 30:7 suggests, "Their strength is to sit still." Later in 30:15, 16, Isaiah warns against moving ahead of God, "Thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses." (Have you ever fled on one of those horses to "get out of dodge"?). Then, in vv. 18, 19, 21 He gives a wonderful promise for those who patiently wait for God's appropriate season, "And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you ... Blessed are all they that wait for him ... He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee, . . And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
Be patient! The Lord has a way of communicating to us the appropriate time to move into a new season with His blessings. Then, and only then, should we move on!
The Lord also often deals with us in different ways during different seasons. More than once I have had to counsel people who told me, "I used to feel the presence of the Lord so much. My prayer times were wonderful. I felt so close to him. But, now, I can't "feel" Him anymore. I so desire to have that intimacy back. What is going wrong?". I was able to explain to them that God does deal with some of us for a time in this way, but then, He expects us to learn to walk by faith, and not depend on so much "feeling": "God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. " (II Chronicles 32:31). Do you feel like God has left you? Maybe it is just a season of His "trying your heart".
When I first received the Holy Spirit, it was the most overwhelming, emotional intense experience. Speaking in tongues was such a thrill! However, 41 years later, speaking in tongues is now with little or no emotion and truly a step of faith each time I do so.Yet, it is more important in my life now than ever, and I pray in tongues more than when it was an emotional experience! Same gift, but a different season.
Even Webster defines a season in terms of a "religious awakening". As Acts 3:19 predicts "times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord". This is simply talking about revival experiences. "Times" means "seasons". These seasons of revival are the sovereign work of the Lord. But, there are things that we do to prepare ourselves for any coming seasons of revival, just as we do things to prepare ourselves for the coming four seasons. The first part of the verse tells us how to prepare for a season of revival B "repent ye therefore and be converted": repent of any sins that would hinder you from being transitioned into a new season of life or ministry. And, "be converted or "turned". In other words, don't allow yourself to be stuck in a rut, where you cannot be turned off of the old familiar path and on to a preferred current, yet different path that the Lord has for you.
We can also learn a lesson about seasons from how the Lord deals with us in healing. "An angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water. whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." (John 5:4). There is a season of healing. To wait patiently in faith for an angel to fulfill your prayer and "trouble the water" in your life so that you at last get your desired healing is difficult indeed.
How many times I have heard people comment, "I don't understand why the Lord doesn't heal me." I can answer that question in one word: "seasons". There is a "time to heal" (Eccl. 3:3). Others pray and believe for a loved one's healing, but their prayers seemingly aren't answered and they just can't understand and ask "why did God allow them to die?". I can answer that question in one word: "seasons". There is a "time to die" (Eccl. 3:2). Accept this truth!
Enjoy life while you have it's privilege ("the grace of life" 1 Peter 3:7). And, live it to God's glory: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).
When you die, do your best to make it a time to glorify the Lord too: "This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God." (John 21:19). Indeed the most difficult season to accept is the winter of our lives when we must prepare for death. But, if we prepare for death by living right, we truly minimize it's sting: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:56, 57).
Learning to be victorious in life through Christ will help us to be victorious in death as well! One of the greatest soul winners in American history was D.L. Moody. On his deathbed, he cried, "Is this death? This glory?" Paul discerned the season of his death approaching and said "The time of my departure is at hand." (11 Tim. 4:6). You can almost hear an angel crying "All aboard!". Paul's "departure" to him was like catching a train! He walked so closely with Jesus that he could boast, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). Do you see death as glory, as gain? If not, you must work to further prepare yourself for the coming winter of your life.
Tammy Faye Baker died recently. Perlhaps you saw her interviewed on Larry King the very day before she died. She looked like a talking corpse! She surely was the first "celebrity" in TV history to allow the world to see her at her very worst! But, you see, she had served God faithfully and prepared herself for death. The season of being a pretty TV celebrity was over. The winter season had come. She accepted it graciously and in front of the world became a powerful testimony of the gospel's ability to prepare one for eternity. Do you think it was coincidental that she appeared on Larry King the day before she died? No, this was, to me, the obvious grace of God in honoring someone who had served him through each season of life. Now, He was giving her a "moment" in time. But, unlike Pharaoh, she didn't miss her moment. She fully utilized the moment B in her final season.
I am having to make some real adjustments for the "fall" of my life. This last decade, I have really begun to age. So far, I don't like this aging process I am experiencing at all! I don't like the wrinkles, the graying of my hair, or the "fall" of my hair. My Chaffey High School, Ontario, California 40th year class reunion will be held this August 18. I'll probably especially whiten my teeth, and dye my hair. I'll try to look my youngest. I'll try to recapture for an evening my high school years. (Those cheerleaders will be sorry for rejecting me!). But, seriously, I'm believing God that He will guide me to witness and even lead one of my fellow "Tigers" to Christ. My priorities have changed since high school. I better understand the seasons of life.
The thing I like least about aging, however, is not the wrinkles to my face (though, if you had a face like mine, you wouldn't want to sacrifice it to wrinkles either! Ha, ha!), or the changes in my hair. The thing I hate the most about aging is the diminishing stamina. In my youth, I was faster, could work harder, and last longer than virtually all my peers. Now, I cannot work 8-15 hours a day 6 days a week like I could in younger years. I have to take naps. I have to take days off. I have to suspend temporarily important projects until I feel rested enough. It's truly frustrating for a man with my life-long work ethic! I've talked to a number of doctors, had special tests, gone on strict diets and taken "magic bullet" supplements. But, after a decade of dealing with this, I have come to the conclusion that I am simply in the season of aging. Now I understand what is meant in Psalm 71:9 and 18: "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth..
Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." I want to make this season of life the most productive that I possibly can, with the tools I have. I still pray often for him to "renew my strength" (Isaiah 40:29-31) so that I can be like Moses, whose natural strength hadn't abated, even at the age of 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7). Yet, I also am soberly aware that the time came in David's life (at the "young" age of 70!), when he became bedfast. He had so lost his youthful virility, that even with a lovely young maiden sent to sleep with him to "keep him warm" he still "gat no heat"!
I feel like I "gat no" energy at 58!!! Yet, I am trying to make up for my lack of activity and energy, with wiser usage of my time. David put it this way, "teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90:12). Ever getting closer to winter, forces us to strive for more wisdom. Falling leaves should not bring regret, but simply remind us to prepare for winter. Solomon wrote, "Wisdom is better than strength" (Eccl. 9:16).
What we "mature" adults lack in stamina and youthful zeal, we make up for in wisdom, and that, according to the wisest man of all time is BETTER! We call them "the good old days" and somehow mistakenly think they were better times. They may have been better in that we had better health, or more fun, or less problems, but from the perspective of eternity, they were NOT better days!
The purpose of God is to always "provide some better thing for us." (Heb. 11:40). This is why Solomon says, "Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? For thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this." (Eccl. 7:10). We had good times in the past perhaps, but scripturally these are "better" times, and the best is yet to come! Jesus always "saves the best wine for last" (John 2:10). Believe Prov. 4:18, "The path of the righteous is as the rising sun, which grows brighter and brighter until the full day."
Perhaps your problem isn't longing for the "good old days", but rather regretting the "bad old days", and always wish-; ing you could go back and change things. God says, we should be, "forgetting those things which are behind." (Philippians 3:13)., When I think back to my past and regret decisions and mistakes, Iam learning to simply stop and ask myself, "What have I learned , because of that mistake. What can I do today to make this time in my life better and avoid any regrets again in the future?"
So, clearly, the most important thing you can do in any season of life is to seek wisdom to journey through that time with ; God's guidance and grace. There may be seasons of sickness, seasons of trial, seasons of prayer and fasting, seasons of barrenness seasons of fruitfulness and productivity and even seasons of rest and refreshing. We all want the enjoyable seasons to last forever. But, if you are going through a difficult "winter season", instead of crying, "why?" or sighing "Oh, my!" seek God for revelation about the season you're in and how to best walk through it. Perhaps even as you read this you're going through a season of sickness, or a season of great trial and testing. Maybe your marriage is barren and your finances depleted. Maybe your ministry is at a standstill.
Don't try to go back, or change God's mind about the season. Just accept by faith His "purpose" (Eccl. 3:1) in requiring you to go through this season. Instead of complaining about the "giants in the land" (Numbers 13:33), praise Him for His promise of deliverance (Ps. 34). Remember, "champions are built in off season". Use any "off season" to build spiritual muscle and strength of character. Don't allow yourself to focus on the negative. "Two men looked out the same bars: One saw mud, the other stars". You may feel like you're looking out of prison bars B just focus on the glistening snow, not the cold (Isa. 1:18). Yes, there's beauty in every season of God, even our winter seasons. God grant us the grace to discern and understand His purpose in our present season, make it count for eternity and, in spite of it's hardship, still appreciate its beauty!
Our lives are in many ways like the four seasons. From birth to young adulthood is like spring-teeming with new experiences and idealistic hope for the future. Our most enjoyable years of raising families and our most productive years of employment are like Summer. As kids move away to college and raise their own families, we prepare for retirement and see our bodies begin to age and "fall apart" (ha, ha): this is like fall. And, the retirement and "sunset" years become a time of struggling against diseases of aging, burying of mates and long term friends, and ourselves preparing to leave this world-this is our Winter.
The wisest man on earth, who wrote Ecclesiastes 3, adds this to his teaching on "seasons", "He hath made everything beautiful in His (or "its") time." (3:11). Each of the four seasons has its own beauty. Even winter has, at times, perhaps the most beautiful scene of all with fresh, clean, white, glistening snow covering everything. If we are to "Serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2), we need to learn to see the beauty of each season of our life and to "grow old gracefully" as we discern God's hand and blessing during every season. We also need to make sure we don't violate inherent scriptural laws for each season.
We adults wince when we see young people trying to live like adults, trying to hurry their youth by quitting school, experimenting sexually, marrying too young, or smoking and drinking. Theirs is meant to be season of innocent exploration, worry-free, full of adventure and excitement. Still, Solomon had a special warning for those in this season of life, "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment" (Eccl. 11:9).
One of the rules for this season of youth is to, "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land" (Exodus 20:12). Mistakes (or sins) made in our youth can follow us all our lives. Truly, we "reap what we sow" (Gal. 6:7, 8). If youth obey their parents, and live their lives "before the Lord", they will succeed and pass to their summer season. But, they nevertheless must carefully prepare themselves for their next season by appropriate dating, education, good work record, saving money.
During each period of life, we should be preparing for the next season of life, just as in the natural, we must prepare for the four seasons (i.e.: may need, to shop for summer clothing, repair an air conditioner, put snow tires on our car, winterize our homes, etc.). This past winter was my first time to live in the mountains. Because I had not properly covered outdoor plumbing, a pipe gasket burst and I had to pay a plumber to repair it. Also, I thought to myself that I would wait until all the leaves had fallen off the trees before I raked them up. Unfortunately, the snow began to fall before I could do so, and then the leaves were too wet to rake and piled too high. So, we waited until spring to finally get them up. Some of the grass underneath had died, and it was such a big job that we hired someone to help. Next fall, it will be different!
During the season of my youth, I also made a similar mistake. Immediately after graduating from Bible college, I marched down to the Social Security office and opted out of the S.S., which I had a right to do as a minister. I figured the Lord would be coming long before I got old and needed any financial help from the government. But, when I got older and realized that the Lord might not come as soon as I anticipated, I opted back into S.S. and began paying into it. Now, I'll be able to start drawing from S.S.I. in a few years! (Wouldn't Kathy have been disgusted B if otherwise? Ha, ha!)
In the "summer" of our lives, we need to prepare for our children's future by saving for their college education. In the "fall", we need to save for retirement and prepare our wills. In the "winter", we need to plan our senior care, our burial etc. Preparing for the each of the coming four seasons of the calendar and for life's "four seasons" as well, is wisdom and a natural part of life. Don't make the mistake of not preparing for your next life season!
The four calendar seasons and their sundry signs in the sky, temperature and flora are highly visible and easy for all to discern. And, the "four seasons" of our life: youth, productive years, empty nest and retirement and our "sunset years" are quite obvious too. But, there are other seasons that are not as easily discernable but are very important to understand. Jesus rebuked those who could "discern the face of the sky and of the earth" but could not "discern this time. " (Luke 12:56). There was one totally unique season in history B the few years Jesus walked this earth. Those who discerned that time and embraced Christ and His teachings were a most blessed people (Matt. 13:16, 17). Those who didn't, will be judged severely (Matt. 12:41, 42). Seasons are not forever!
Webster defines a "season" as not only the year divided up into four quarters, but also as: "a) a time characterized by a particular circumstance (i.e. a season of religious awakening); b) a suitable or natural time or occasion (i.e. "when my season comes"); c) a period of the year characterized or associated with a particular activity or phenomenon. Ecclesiastes 3 explains it this way: "There is ... a time to break down, and a time to build up ... A time to weep, and a time to laugh ... A time to get, and a time to lose ... A time of war, and a time of peace." Some of our politicians want to prematurely pull out our troops from Iraq. They mistakenly think that it is "a time of peace".
As long as the Al Queda is chanting "death to America" and strapping suicide bombs on teenagers, it will be "a time of war" for America.In the coming election, we need to ask the Lord for leaders who like the "children of Issachar" are "men that had understanding of the times (or seasons) to know what Israel (America) ought to do." (1 Chron. 12:32).
Everyone reading this newsletter is in some special "season" of his life. To fail to discern what that season is and to take advantage of its unique opportunities is one of life's greatest tragedies. It was said of Pharaoh in Jeremiah 46:17 that he was "but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed". An appointed time is a season, given us from the Lord, with which to accomplish certain things. Pharaoh had the destiny of a nation in his hands and missed one of the greatest opportunities in history to do good. "He hath passed his time appointed' is the King James translation of v. 17. Moffat translates it, "he has let his chance go by". Are you letting your chance go by? The New English Bible says it best: "the man who missed his moment". Are you missing your moment?
The tragedy of missing our "moment"-our season of opportunity from the Lord B has both scriptural and historical precedent. Pharaoh was one prime example. One notable one from history was Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister of The Untied Kingdom. His policy of appeasement with Hitler in the late 1930's helped precipitate the Second World War. What if he had been uncompromising in his dealings with Hitler? How might history have been changed?
If we don't understand the seasons of our life we will live in regret of the past, in disappointment of the present or with unrealistic expectation of the future. Not discerning seasons of God can result in confusion, depression, and life-decisions that later prove to be in error. Also, learning to observe and anticipate seasons, accept them with joy, and maximize their potential is life's great challenge and privilege. There is reward for those who are faithful over the talents (could talents be personal seasons of opportunity?). God expects us to use them productively (Matthew 25:14-21).
Seasons are temporary and seasons change. When we find ourselves in a season where we feel productive and fulfilled, we often are so satisfied in it, that we tend to resist change. For instance, the church has virtually always resisted a new move of God. The New Testament church was having a great time experiencing the blessings of watching the apostles perform miracles and provide for their food and lead great church services in Jerusalem. It took persecution to spread the disciples into other communities and areas that also needed exposure to the gospel. The church season had changed!
You probably saw the Rolling Stones, now in their 60's, prancing around the stage singing rock and roll songs during the Super bowl, trying to recapture and maintain something from a long-past season and prove they were still "cool". My daughter said she and other Bible college students watching them busted up laughing. Why? Because it is impossible to be Rock and Roll Cool when you're old. (One person apparently threw a "depends" on the stage during their performance and Mick Dagger picked it up and threw it off. Ha, ha!). Most mature Christians don't try to dress like teenagers and be cool. But, we too often make the same mistake of fighting to stay in a familiar, secure place, when God wants us to move on!
I was the youth leader at the Upland, California Foursquare Church for 3 years. After graduation, I was appointed Minister of Youth at that church and paid the executive salary of $30 per week. I loved that city, the church and the teenagers. I had little thought of moving on to any other ministry. But, like a mother eagle kicking her reluctant young birds out of the nest to make them advance to the next stage of their life, God began dealing with me about change. He used leadership conflicts, false accusations, and other unsettling circumstances, until I finally saw the handwriting on the wall and resigned my position and did the work of an evangelist. Within months, Kathy and I were married and off to the next season of life.
I became Minister of Youth at the Crescent City, Northern California Foursquare Church-something that would not have happened had I remained in Upland. And thus began one of the most fruitful season of my entire ministry. It was 1971 and the "Jesus Movement" (a season of the American church) was in full-swing. Many teenagers came to Christ! That summer we had something going on for the youth 6 nights a week. It was a wonderful season indeed-one I could easily have missed!
It was at Crescent City that I made another mistake so many other Christians make. I rushed forward into another season of life when God wasn't through with the present season! It was during a conversation with the pastor that he (probably discerning that I was restless and unsatisfied with my ministry) commented something to the effect that he didn't want me to overstay my ministry there. (In retrospect, I understand that he was being a "father in the faith" to a young man and simply letting me know that he would work with me if there was to be some transition in my ministry at some time in the future). But, in my selfishness and antsy immaturity, I immediately went home and told Kathy that we were leaving the church.
Within a week (Lord have mercy!), we had packed our things and headed back to the comfort and security of my parents home and Southern California. Unfortunately, it proved to be a very unfruitful summer, where I ended up doing janitorial type work to pay bills. I grimace as I think of the likely productive ministry that could have taken place in the life of those young people that summer, had I patiently waited on God for the appropriate season to move on. Are you antsy for change? Wait on God for His timing to change your circumstances.
As Isaiah 30:7 suggests, "Their strength is to sit still." Later in 30:15, 16, Isaiah warns against moving ahead of God, "Thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses." (Have you ever fled on one of those horses to "get out of dodge"?). Then, in vv. 18, 19, 21 He gives a wonderful promise for those who patiently wait for God's appropriate season, "And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you ... Blessed are all they that wait for him ... He will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee, . . And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
Be patient! The Lord has a way of communicating to us the appropriate time to move into a new season with His blessings. Then, and only then, should we move on!
The Lord also often deals with us in different ways during different seasons. More than once I have had to counsel people who told me, "I used to feel the presence of the Lord so much. My prayer times were wonderful. I felt so close to him. But, now, I can't "feel" Him anymore. I so desire to have that intimacy back. What is going wrong?". I was able to explain to them that God does deal with some of us for a time in this way, but then, He expects us to learn to walk by faith, and not depend on so much "feeling": "God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. " (II Chronicles 32:31). Do you feel like God has left you? Maybe it is just a season of His "trying your heart".
When I first received the Holy Spirit, it was the most overwhelming, emotional intense experience. Speaking in tongues was such a thrill! However, 41 years later, speaking in tongues is now with little or no emotion and truly a step of faith each time I do so.Yet, it is more important in my life now than ever, and I pray in tongues more than when it was an emotional experience! Same gift, but a different season.
Even Webster defines a season in terms of a "religious awakening". As Acts 3:19 predicts "times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord". This is simply talking about revival experiences. "Times" means "seasons". These seasons of revival are the sovereign work of the Lord. But, there are things that we do to prepare ourselves for any coming seasons of revival, just as we do things to prepare ourselves for the coming four seasons. The first part of the verse tells us how to prepare for a season of revival B "repent ye therefore and be converted": repent of any sins that would hinder you from being transitioned into a new season of life or ministry. And, "be converted or "turned". In other words, don't allow yourself to be stuck in a rut, where you cannot be turned off of the old familiar path and on to a preferred current, yet different path that the Lord has for you.
We can also learn a lesson about seasons from how the Lord deals with us in healing. "An angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water. whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had." (John 5:4). There is a season of healing. To wait patiently in faith for an angel to fulfill your prayer and "trouble the water" in your life so that you at last get your desired healing is difficult indeed.
How many times I have heard people comment, "I don't understand why the Lord doesn't heal me." I can answer that question in one word: "seasons". There is a "time to heal" (Eccl. 3:3). Others pray and believe for a loved one's healing, but their prayers seemingly aren't answered and they just can't understand and ask "why did God allow them to die?". I can answer that question in one word: "seasons". There is a "time to die" (Eccl. 3:2). Accept this truth!
Enjoy life while you have it's privilege ("the grace of life" 1 Peter 3:7). And, live it to God's glory: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).
When you die, do your best to make it a time to glorify the Lord too: "This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God." (John 21:19). Indeed the most difficult season to accept is the winter of our lives when we must prepare for death. But, if we prepare for death by living right, we truly minimize it's sting: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:56, 57).
Learning to be victorious in life through Christ will help us to be victorious in death as well! One of the greatest soul winners in American history was D.L. Moody. On his deathbed, he cried, "Is this death? This glory?" Paul discerned the season of his death approaching and said "The time of my departure is at hand." (11 Tim. 4:6). You can almost hear an angel crying "All aboard!". Paul's "departure" to him was like catching a train! He walked so closely with Jesus that he could boast, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21). Do you see death as glory, as gain? If not, you must work to further prepare yourself for the coming winter of your life.
Tammy Faye Baker died recently. Perlhaps you saw her interviewed on Larry King the very day before she died. She looked like a talking corpse! She surely was the first "celebrity" in TV history to allow the world to see her at her very worst! But, you see, she had served God faithfully and prepared herself for death. The season of being a pretty TV celebrity was over. The winter season had come. She accepted it graciously and in front of the world became a powerful testimony of the gospel's ability to prepare one for eternity. Do you think it was coincidental that she appeared on Larry King the day before she died? No, this was, to me, the obvious grace of God in honoring someone who had served him through each season of life. Now, He was giving her a "moment" in time. But, unlike Pharaoh, she didn't miss her moment. She fully utilized the moment B in her final season.
I am having to make some real adjustments for the "fall" of my life. This last decade, I have really begun to age. So far, I don't like this aging process I am experiencing at all! I don't like the wrinkles, the graying of my hair, or the "fall" of my hair. My Chaffey High School, Ontario, California 40th year class reunion will be held this August 18. I'll probably especially whiten my teeth, and dye my hair. I'll try to look my youngest. I'll try to recapture for an evening my high school years. (Those cheerleaders will be sorry for rejecting me!). But, seriously, I'm believing God that He will guide me to witness and even lead one of my fellow "Tigers" to Christ. My priorities have changed since high school. I better understand the seasons of life.
The thing I like least about aging, however, is not the wrinkles to my face (though, if you had a face like mine, you wouldn't want to sacrifice it to wrinkles either! Ha, ha!), or the changes in my hair. The thing I hate the most about aging is the diminishing stamina. In my youth, I was faster, could work harder, and last longer than virtually all my peers. Now, I cannot work 8-15 hours a day 6 days a week like I could in younger years. I have to take naps. I have to take days off. I have to suspend temporarily important projects until I feel rested enough. It's truly frustrating for a man with my life-long work ethic! I've talked to a number of doctors, had special tests, gone on strict diets and taken "magic bullet" supplements. But, after a decade of dealing with this, I have come to the conclusion that I am simply in the season of aging. Now I understand what is meant in Psalm 71:9 and 18: "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth..
Now also when I am old and gray headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." I want to make this season of life the most productive that I possibly can, with the tools I have. I still pray often for him to "renew my strength" (Isaiah 40:29-31) so that I can be like Moses, whose natural strength hadn't abated, even at the age of 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7). Yet, I also am soberly aware that the time came in David's life (at the "young" age of 70!), when he became bedfast. He had so lost his youthful virility, that even with a lovely young maiden sent to sleep with him to "keep him warm" he still "gat no heat"!
I feel like I "gat no" energy at 58!!! Yet, I am trying to make up for my lack of activity and energy, with wiser usage of my time. David put it this way, "teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90:12). Ever getting closer to winter, forces us to strive for more wisdom. Falling leaves should not bring regret, but simply remind us to prepare for winter. Solomon wrote, "Wisdom is better than strength" (Eccl. 9:16).
What we "mature" adults lack in stamina and youthful zeal, we make up for in wisdom, and that, according to the wisest man of all time is BETTER! We call them "the good old days" and somehow mistakenly think they were better times. They may have been better in that we had better health, or more fun, or less problems, but from the perspective of eternity, they were NOT better days!
The purpose of God is to always "provide some better thing for us." (Heb. 11:40). This is why Solomon says, "Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? For thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this." (Eccl. 7:10). We had good times in the past perhaps, but scripturally these are "better" times, and the best is yet to come! Jesus always "saves the best wine for last" (John 2:10). Believe Prov. 4:18, "The path of the righteous is as the rising sun, which grows brighter and brighter until the full day."
Perhaps your problem isn't longing for the "good old days", but rather regretting the "bad old days", and always wish-; ing you could go back and change things. God says, we should be, "forgetting those things which are behind." (Philippians 3:13)., When I think back to my past and regret decisions and mistakes, Iam learning to simply stop and ask myself, "What have I learned , because of that mistake. What can I do today to make this time in my life better and avoid any regrets again in the future?"
So, clearly, the most important thing you can do in any season of life is to seek wisdom to journey through that time with ; God's guidance and grace. There may be seasons of sickness, seasons of trial, seasons of prayer and fasting, seasons of barrenness seasons of fruitfulness and productivity and even seasons of rest and refreshing. We all want the enjoyable seasons to last forever. But, if you are going through a difficult "winter season", instead of crying, "why?" or sighing "Oh, my!" seek God for revelation about the season you're in and how to best walk through it. Perhaps even as you read this you're going through a season of sickness, or a season of great trial and testing. Maybe your marriage is barren and your finances depleted. Maybe your ministry is at a standstill.
Don't try to go back, or change God's mind about the season. Just accept by faith His "purpose" (Eccl. 3:1) in requiring you to go through this season. Instead of complaining about the "giants in the land" (Numbers 13:33), praise Him for His promise of deliverance (Ps. 34). Remember, "champions are built in off season". Use any "off season" to build spiritual muscle and strength of character. Don't allow yourself to focus on the negative. "Two men looked out the same bars: One saw mud, the other stars". You may feel like you're looking out of prison bars B just focus on the glistening snow, not the cold (Isa. 1:18). Yes, there's beauty in every season of God, even our winter seasons. God grant us the grace to discern and understand His purpose in our present season, make it count for eternity and, in spite of it's hardship, still appreciate its beauty!
Understanding The Seasons of God
Helping equip God's people to minister
more effectively to the lost in their community.
more effectively to the lost in their community.
Evangelist Dea Warford
