Seasons of Life: Understood

Understanding the season of life is valuable; it gives you a sense of belonging, sets you apart from your contemporaries and creates a distinction.

IT CREATED a sense of belonging when Abraham left his father’s house to go to a land that God would show him. (Genesis 12)

It made a distinction when Abraham increased and became very wealthy. (Genesis 24:35)

It separated his descendants from everyone else when God warned Balaam not to curse Abraham’s descendants because they were blessed. (Numbers 22-24)

And it created a distinction between the sons of Issachar and the other tribes of Israel because they knew what Israel should do. (1 Chronicles 12:32)

Understanding your season of life shapes how you act.

THE FIRST SEASON of life is the sitting season, a period in which you learn.

In his sitting season, the boy Jesus acted a certain way: he sat in the temple courts among elders, listening and asking questions.

And when he returned home with his parents, he was obedient to them (Luke 2:49-51)

When Mary told him they were out of wine, although he granted her request, he made it clear that he was in his sitting season, and the season did not diminish his prominence. (John 2:4)

PAUL understood the importance of this season, so he did not immediately consult with anyone [for guidance regarding God’s call and His revelation to him] when he was saved.

Nor did he [even] go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before him; but he went to Arabia and stayed awhile, and afterward returned once more to Damascus.” (Galatians 1:16-18)

To remain in his calling, he needed to understand his season.

ELISHA sat at the feet of Elijah and followed him everywhere he went.

And just before he was taken, Elisha asked for a double portion of his anointing. (2 Kings 2:5-11)

THE QUESTION you'll need to ask is if you've sat long enough.

We miss it when we stand when we are supposed to sit. Then, we blame it on the enemy rather than on our disorderliness.

In God’s order, there is a Sitting Season.

‘There is a Sitting Season’

THE SECOND SEASON is the Standing Season — your season of manifestation.

However, standing will make no sense if you haven't sat.

JESUS did not start his ministry until he was thirty, and from the moment he entered his standing season, he put certain things in place.

He knew he couldn't do the work alone, so he built capacity by choosing his disciples and putting systems and structures in place. (Luke 6:23-26)

In three and a half years, he was done. So, it isn't about how long but how well.

DURING his baptism, the heavens opened, and the spirit of God descended as a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

God the Father announced the Son.

BEFORE the disciples started the work, Jesus told them to wait (sit) in Jerusalem until they were endued with power (Acts 2:1-4)

They needed power to do the work.

WHEN you're ready to stand, God will confirm his work in your hands.

While they fasted and prayed, God told them to separate Paul and Barnabas to him for the work he had called them. (Acts 13:2)

God called them to manifest his glory. (Acts 13:6-28)

Blossom

THE THIRD SEASON is the Sitting Season—a season in which you are nearing the end.

PAUL reminds Timothy of his sincere and unqualified faith, which first lived in his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. (2 Timothy 1:5)

This season is when legacies are passed on.

He told Timothy not to allow anyone to look down on him because he is young, but he should be an example of a believer in speech, conduct, love, faith, and moral purity.

He told him to devote himself to public reading, preaching and teaching of the scriptures. (1 Timothy 4:12-13)

We have sat long enough to stand and having done all to stand, now stand.

Final Thought

Be aware of what season you are in and give yourself the grace to be there — Kristen Dalton.