Devotion 4
Seasons
"Men of Issachar… understood the
[seasons]."
1 Chronicles 12:32
NIV
Describing life in chilly New England,
Chuck Swindoll writes: "Newcomers… get the false impression that there will
hardly be much of a winter, so they continue… sightseeing and relaxation with
little regard for the deep freeze that inevitably arrives. Seasoned souls are
not so foolish… they use that brief interlude to prepare for winter's bitter
blast… .Early on I learned a valuable lesson… winter can be endured with much
greater success if you prepared for its arrival."
God's Word says, "Get ready; be prepared" (Ezekiel 38:7 NIV), because you need
to recognize life's seasons. The men of Issachar were considered wise because
they "understood the [seasons]." A change-of-season can come disguised as a job
lay-off or the loss of a loved one. It can come as new relationship or a
promotion. It can also manifest itself in a sense of restlessness; a feeling
that you've outgrown something that once excited and challenged
you.
Seasons are growth opportunities that keep you progressing towards the
ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for your life. Sticking with the familiar can
be fatal. It's dangerous to wait for circumstances to change before making a
move that God has already ordained. The best way to avoid that is by staying
connected to Him, developing your spiritual radar and moving whenever He says
it's time.
So
while you're taking down your decorations and Christmas lights, take down those
old attitudes that are hindering you from moving into the next season God has
for you. The art of living means understanding the seasons, navigating through
them and squeezing the joy out of every minute `en route.
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