For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (New Living Translation, NLT)

I think most of us will agree that life is made up of seasons, much like the seasons we experience on earth (winter, spring, summer, fall). In nature, each season has a purpose. While some seasons are more enjoyable than others, all are needed. For example, the cold, barren winter months are needed for plants to germinate and produce new growth later. While it is freezing and icy, things are unseen things happening to prepare for the next season.

Maybe you don’t like the season you are in. You may be in a season of dormancy, much like nature is during winter. Nothing appears to be happening and you feel like the Lord is cool and distant. However, things are going on behind the scenes for the next season. No matter the season you are in right now, the good news is that it will change.

Part of moving to the next season is understanding the one you are in right now and gaining from it what God wants you to get out of it. If we are in a season of preparation and development, we must cooperate all we can with the Holy Spirit to learn and grow as He directs. Seek the Lord about the season you are in, and ask Him to show you what your part is. Once you know, then do it.

Just as the farmer must do different things in the different seasons in order to experience a good harvest, we too must do different things spiritually to grow and produce good fruit. Every season has a purpose, so recognize each season and do what is needed in order to flourish in Christ.