SPIRITUAL SEASONS OF LIFE - Sometimes it’s difficult to recognize the season of life we’re in, and it can be even more difficult to know how to live fully in Christ during it. Are you in a dry season, waiting-for-something season, grinding season, tests-and-trials-at-nearly-every-turn season, or spiritual warfare season? Maybe you’re in a happy season, and all is well. In the natural we know that seasons change. There’s winter, spring, summer, and fall. Just like the natural seasons change, so do the seasons in our lives. The Bible tells us “For everything there is a season.” It also tells us “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.” The first step to flourishing in any spiritual season is recognizing which one you’re in. Once you recognize which season you’re in, you can shift your thoughts to your heavenly Father and live through the season glorifying Him. Ultimately, God is in control of all seasons. Whichever season you’re currently in, remember that God is making everything beautiful in its time.

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Spiritual Seasons of Life

6 Spiritual Seasons of Life (and How to Flourish in Them)

In a natural sense, we know that seasons change. There’s winter, spring, summer, and fall. Just like the natural seasons change, so do the seasons in our lives. If you’re going through some hard times, know that God is with you in the midst of it all. Keep the faith, don’t doubt God’s plans and goodness, and wait with expectancy. God is listening and knows exactly where you are. Hang in there. God has not forgotten you. As hard as the tests and trials may be, allow God to be God. Allow Him to do the supernatural work that only He can do. Allow Him to strengthen and increase your faith in this season of hardship or affliction. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not your trial.

Courtnaye Richar

“For everything there is a season.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1

“[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.” - Ecclesiastes 3:11

If you examined your life right now, what season would you say you are currently experiencing?

Are you in a dry season, waiting-for-something season, grinding season, tests-and-trials-at-nearly-every-turn season, or spiritual warfare season?

The list could go on and on. Maybe you’re in a happy season, and all is well.

Sometimes it’s difficult to recognizing the season of life we’re in, and it can be even more difficult to know how to live fully in Christ during it.

In a natural sense, we know that seasons change. There’s winter, spring, summer, and fall. Just like the natural seasons change, so do the seasons in our lives.

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season.”

It also tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.”

The first step to flourishing in any spiritual season is recognizing which one you’re in. Here are six common seasons of life. Which one describes your life?

1. The Dry Season

This is no doubt a tough season. It’s when God is quiet, and you can’t hear His voice or sense His presence as you once did.

In a dry season, God seems very distant.

I’ve lived through a dry season various times in my life, and I know how hard this one can be.

For Christians, a season of spiritual dryness can seem completely jarring. Suddenly your life experience doesn’t line up with what you know to be true about God.

If God guides His children, why can’t I sense it? If He cares, why don’t I feel it?

I believe the keys in getting through this challenging season is:

(1) Realize that you are in it, and

(2) Press through it – draw close to God despite how far away He feels.

Don’t wither up. Continue reading His Word. But also talk to Him, even though He’s quiet. Because He is there. He hasn’t left.

Why am I in a dry season?

Scott Slayton said this about reasons behind the season in his article, “What to Do When You are in a Spiritual Dry Spell.”

“This kind of spiritual dry spell can come after walking through difficulties, spending time in half-heartedness or sin, or simply getting stuck in rut.”

In this season, it’s good to examine your life and check to see if there’s any heart issue or unconfessed sin.

If you discover it: confess it to God and repent because, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9.

And I’ll tell you one more thing about dry seasons: they don’t last forever. This season will change.

Just keep the faith, keep trusting Him, keep going to church, keep praising and worshiping God even when it’s hard and confusing. The rain is coming.

2. The Waiting Season

Let me kick this one off by saying, "Waiting is NOT easy!"

If you’re there now and it’s hard, take heart. 

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”

Whether you're waiting for a godly husband, for a difficult circumstance to change, or for God to finally fulfill a promise; the waiting season can range from mildly annoying to maddening.

We know from the story of Joseph in Exodus that God leverages waiting seasons for his glory and for our good.

And we know from Abraham’s story in Genesis that waiting might last a very long time.

But we also know from Hannah’s story that pouring your heart out to God and waiting on Him is totally worth it.

In your season of waiting, trust that God is pruning you.

He’s chiseling away what’s not needed for the next season. He’s making you ready, so let Him work however long it takes.

Why does God make me wait?

This season, like the others, will one day be over. But a time of waiting is fairly guaranteed to happen again in life.

Betsy Childs Howard said this about waiting well in her article, “When You Just Want to Leave the School of Waiting.”

“You see, for God, the goal of this [season] is not that I should learn my lesson so that I don’t have to wait anymore. God wants me to learn how to wait so that I can wait well, even if my waiting continues for the rest of my life.

“While my plan is to keep a chipper attitude and show God that I’m a good student, so he will bring my waiting to a close, God wants something even better for me. Rather than end my waiting, he wants to bless my waiting.”

Even while you’re waiting for God’s blessing, He is ready to bless you with the gift of himself.

Keep the faith, don’t doubt God’s plans and goodness, and wait with expectancy.

David cried out to God in Psalm 5:3, “Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.”

God is listening and knows exactly where you are. Hang in there. God has not forgotten you.

3. The Grinding Season

This is also known as: The Busy Season. This is the, “I don’t have enough time to get everything done!” time in life.

Sometimes we have big projects or little people that need more of our time than in other seasons. I’m in this season right now as I write this article.

Busyness is becoming a value in modern American culture, but it is not something Christians should chase.

If you find yourself in a busy season, chase after God.

The key to succeeding in this time is seeking God for direction the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning.

Recognize and organize what needs to get done, then plow through those priorities. Attacking your priorities first will also help alleviate undue stress.

“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him,” Psalm 95:4.

The whole world does not rest in your hands – it rests in God’s hands.

Pace yourself and your tasks. Breathe. Pray. Take a lunch break.

Then carry on in your grind and press through with the strength God gives you. Rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and help you.

Here are “20 Prayers to Pray throughout a Busy Day.”

4. The Tests & Trials Season

If you’re going through some hard times in this season, know that God is with you in the midst of it all. He’s totally at work.

I know it’s hard when you’re in the middle of it, and you might not even understand what you’re going through or why.

But I want to encourage you that God knows, and in due time, all will be revealed. In the meantime, don’t give up or get tired of doing good.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” Galatians 6:9.

If you need comfort, let God comfort you. If you need strength beyond yourself, let Him strengthen you.

If you need wisdom, ask and the Bible promises that it will be given to you (James 1:5).

As hard as the tests and trials may be, allow God to be God.

Allow Him to do the supernatural work that only He can do. Allow Him to strengthen and increase your faith in this season of hardship or affliction.

Fix your eyes on Jesus, not your trial.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal,” 2 Corinthians 4:17-19.

In this season, it’s essential to fix your thoughts on heavenly things, not on temporary things of this earth.

Fix your eyes on Jesus. He is the God who understands every temptation; he understands suffering and pain; and he understands our weaknesses.

5. The Spiritual Warfare Season

If you are in a season of spiritual warfare, gird up! If you are being spiritually attacked, you’re doing something right that Satan doesn’t like.

But whether or not you’re currently walking faithfully, the enemy will wage war against you. It comes with being a Christian.

But don’t be afraid. Remember the story of Job: God is always in complete control.

This is a wonderful thing about being God’s child – He fights for you. You just lean into Him and rely on Him by praying and reading His Word. He will take care of the rest.

This is not a natural battle against flesh and blood (even though it may appear to be).

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,” Ephesians 6:12.

With this spiritual battle in mind, we must put on our full spiritual armor.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:13-17.

These are our weapons. Let’s not leave them at home and walk into battle alone.

6. The Happy Season

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise,” James 5:13.

Maybe you just got married, or your kids are bringing you joy. Maybe you are killing it at work, or you are reading the Bible like you never have before.

This is the fun season – the happy season. But you still have a job to do in this season: Praise the Lord!

Praising God is something Christians should do in every season because our hearts need it and because is God always worthy of it.

Sing your song to God. How has He been good to you?

Here are a few Psalms to get you started: Psalm 95, Psalm 103, Psalm 148, and Psalm 150.

More reading on giving praise to the Lord: 1 Chronicles 16: 8-36.

Live through your season glorifying God.

Once you recognize which season you’re in, you can shift your thoughts to your heavenly Father and live through the season glorifying Him.

Ultimately, God is in control of all seasons. Whichever season you’re currently in, remember that God is making everything beautiful in its time.

This article was adapted from, “How to Recognize the Spiritual Season of Life You're In.”

Courtnaye Richard is a Christian blogger who loves writing to help women grow in their walk with the Lord. It's all about real talk, real issues, and real life in the faith! Don't miss out on her weekly posts every Monday at 7:30am on http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/. For more info or questions, you can visit Courtnaye’s website.

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SPIRITUAL SEASONS IN LIFE - The first season, crawling: babes learning what it is to follow Jesus. That first season, baby Christians are so excited, and yet so naïve. The second season is walking: learning how to stand on our own two feet. The third season is sitting. This third season comes as you sit and share your stories — the lessons you’ve learned on your journey through life. The third season is where you can pass on what you have learned in life. It’s a time of investing in others. There are moments in life when you need to take a stand. The final season, the fourth, is standing. You’re not crawling, you’re not walking or running, and you’re not sitting teaching. This is a season where you know when to stand and hold firm. This is a season when you know what you believe and are willing to stand up for it — even unto death. Our role as Christians is to discover what season we are in and what role God has called us to play. We can’t force the season to change. Seasons are a God thing. Seasons are God’s creation and doing.

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Spiritual Seasons in Your Life

Evon Horton

There are seasons in nature, but also in life.

Perhaps my favorite season is the Christmas season!

I love the anticipation, the gift giving, the gift receiving. The gathering of family is also very important.

All of the special foods and traditions make the Christmas season wondrous. I love the tradition of Santa Claus.

Someone once said there are four seasons of a man as he relates to Santa Claus.

The first season, as a child, believes in Santa. The second, he does not believe! The third, he is Santa Claus. And last, he looks like Santa!

Spiritual Seasons of a Believer

The same is true when it comes to the seasons of a believer in Christ, a Christian.

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

There are definitely four distinct seasons of a Christian:

Season One

The first season, crawling: babes learning what it is to follow Jesus. They are inquisitive and trusting. That first season, baby Christians are so excited, and yet so naïve.

Season Two

The second season is walking: learning how to stand on our own two feet.

The second season is testing out our spiritual legs.

I remember when our children were learning to walk and stumbling and falling and bumping into things. We were so excited when they started walking.

I recall thinking to myself, when they were getting into everything and disappearing from room to room, toddling their way around the house, Why did I ever encourage this walking thing?

This is when you are taking steps on your own, memorizing Scriptures, and learning the power of prayer.

Even learning how to run with God’s vision and plan for your life. That second season is so powerful, so fresh, so new, so bright.

I remember clearly discovering God’s Word and promises and getting so excited that God’s Word is true today. Wow! Powerful times.

I spoke to someone recently who had great impact on my life when I was younger. His name is Wayne Watson and is a retired school teacher. He was a phenomenal musician and could play the piano like I had never seen or heard before.

I remember being at the campground of my childhood, standing next to the old upright piano in the tabernacle, watching his fingers fly on the ivories of that old piano.

When I spoke to him, he commented how he had watched me grow up and become a minister with such passion and zeal.

Now at this stage of my ministry when I am transitioning to teaching and mentoring, I want to be an encouragement to young people like Wayne was to me.

I want to help them discover their potential in Christ. I want to tell them to run with all they have for God and that God will bless them in their incredible season.

Season Three

That brings me to the third season of believ ers. This is a season of sitting. 

The first season we crawl, the second season we walk and run, now we sit.

The traditional position of a teacher is sit ting. Jesus is quite often referred to in Scripture as Raboni, Rabbi, and Teacher.

The Bible says in the Gospel of John chapter 8 verse 2:

“At dawn he [Jesus] appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.”

This third season comes as you sit and share your stories — the lessons you’ve learned on your journey through life.

Stories that may have been passed down through the ages. This is a powerful time. Where your stories are your stories and no one can take away from your stories.

I remember clearly sharing hundreds of times my testimony of spiritual renewal.

I shared when and where my wife, Deborah, and I were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

It was a true Acts 2 experience. It was the fulfillment of Acts 1:8 (NKJV), “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you….” 

This is my story, and no one can tell me it’s wrong. I simply share this is what happened to me and no one argue with that!

The third season is where you can pass on what you have learned in life. It’s a time of investing in others.

It’s a mature time in life when you share with others so they can avoid the mistakes you’ve made along the way.

There are moments in life when you need to take a stand.

I clearly remember several times in life when my faith, my convictions, my life commitment was being challenged. And I knew that I had to take a stand. It’s tough.

I am not one to be argumentative or confrontational. But I do know there are moments when we get called into account.

I need to say — no, this is what I believe. I remember standing with a young man new to ministry. His name is Trey Myers.

Trey was miraculously delivered from drugs and left his trade of dealing drugs. It was a dramatic conversion.

Trey was one who pushed the envelope to seek more of God and His life-changing power. He would say some outlandish things that made people raise their eyebrows, too.

He said once that he had seen Jesus physically appear before him. Someone came to me who had heard Trey say that and the person told me that it was hard to believe and Trey was crazy.

I knew I had to take a stand and support this young man. I knew it may have sounded crazy to some, but I took a stand. I believe and know that Trey did see Jesus. I believe it.

Season Four

The final season, the fourth, is standing. You’re not crawling, you’re not walking or running, and you’re not sitting teaching.

This is a season where you know when to stand and hold firm. This is a season when you know what you believe and are willing to stand up for it — even unto death.

Seasons of Challenge

It has taken me a long time to appreciate the four seasons of my Christian life.

In fact, if I’m totally honest, I still struggle with some of the sea sons that God has me go through. There have been tough struggles, tough days.

My current assignment at Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida, has been the most challenging season of my ministry.

When I arrived, the church was in post revival. The season of Revival at Brownsville Assembly (1995-2000) was real, genuine, chaotic, monumental, life-changing, and difficult.

My calling to Brownsville was to help this church recover from a season as a revival center to that of a healthy local church. But I still wanted the power of the Holy Spirit and revival to stay in the church — and it has.

I found myself in a church that was in free fall. The facility was worn and needed much TLC.

The congregation had declined to less than 500. And the cumulative debt for the church and ministry school was over $10 million. The monthly mort gage payment was $83,000. Ouch! Talk about a tough season.

But the one thing I knew was God had called me to pastor this church, this congregation, this church family through this difficult season.

Someone asked me once if I was enjoying my season at Brownsville. I’m not sure if that was the right question.

Enjoyment was not the word I would have used at that time. Did I know I was called to Brownsville? YES! Was I fulfilled in being in the center of the Lord’s will? YES! Was it enjoyable? Not always!

What this season at Brownsville has taught me is that there are seasons in ministry, in life, and in churches. And our role as Christians is to discover what season we are in and what role God has called us to play.

Another realization is that I can’t force the season to change. I can argue that I don’t like the season; I can complain about how hard the season is.

But I know I can’t change the season. Seasons are a God thing. Seasons are God’s creation and doing.

Dr. Evon Horton has forty years ministry experience. He currently pastors Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida, home of the largest and longest revival in U.S. history. He loves the moving of the Holy Spirit. He has pastored in Toronto, and has been president of Master’s College and Seminary. He is a devoted husband and loves spoiling his three grandchildren.

Destiny has been called to publish biblically sound, prophetic words to the Body of Christ. To that end, we seek to create a community founded on content that has an anointing to direct, encourage and strengthen the church as a whole.

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