Of the four seasons – of earth, not the group or hotel chain – I think autumn is my favorite. Where I live, falls is in full swing. The fierce heat is abating, leaves are changing, and squirrels have become frenetic as they prepare for winter.
Christians Have Seasons in God
Did you know that, as Christians, we have seasons in God? It’s true, but before we consider our seasons in God, let’s consider a season in the life of Jesus.
As a Christian, I find autumn to be a strong corollary to Christ’s determined travel to Jerusalem for His victory over sin, death, and hell. When Jesus set His face towards Jerusalem, we see that a season of Jesus had changed. Previously, He had been an itinerate preacher, prophet, Person of God, proclaiming the Good News to His people. But once He set His face towards Jerusalem, He entered the autumn of His season. The prophet Isaiah wrote a Messianic prophecy, a prophecy about Jesus. Here’s a verse that speaks to Jesus’ determination:
“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame”
Isaiah 50:7
Jesus’ Autumn
In the autumn of Christ’s ministry, Jesus shed His focus on miracles, though did a few. He shed His gathering of disciples, though he offered this to a few. Finally, the Seed of Abraham would be planted, to die so there would be a might harvest.
For me, autumn speaks to me of Jesus’ travel to His crucifixion, knowing that His death would win victory over death. As St. Augustine said: Jesus ”endured death as a lamb; he devoured it as a lion.” Through Christ’s victory, He made the way for His followers to also die to themselves so that they could attain eternal life in Jesus.
Now, in Isaiah we find:
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;“
Isaiah 55:6
Our Season
Seek Him while He may be found. That’s a season! At my home, I can’t find autumn until it IS autumn. I can long for it, pray for it, search for it. But I cannot have it until it’s due season. God works that way with us. And often, in our season with God, He puts us to a test – not a temptation since God doesn’t tempt. Our Father loves tests. Like a good teacher, He wants us to know what we know; a test tells us what we know.
There are times in our lives when we become acutely aware of God’s openness. It’s as if we’re youngsters, sitting on Daddy’s knee. I recently had such a time; a time when He could be found. I’m not exaggerating when I say that God immediately answered my prayers. No, I didn’t ask Him for world peace. I was praying as the Holy Spirit led me to pray; those prayers were immediately met, one after another, after another.
More Than Four God Seasons
God created seasons, so we shouldn’t be surprised to find there are more than four God-seasons. There are seasons of prayer, seasons of harvest, seasons of healing. For you and I, there are many times when God seems to cuddle up to us, like a loving Father. In those times, we need to seek His will because He will speak His will to us. He does this so we can pray those things and see His mighty hand at work.
There’s an old church saying, “I want to be under the spout where the glory comes out!” I pray that you will soon enter a season special nearness to God. I pray that we all get under the spout where the glory comes out!
Photo by Erik Witsoe on Unsplash
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