Thursday, November 10, 2011

Change of Seasons

Fall is in the air. I absolutely love fall. I love the colors, the breeze in the air and the start of the holiday season. I just returned from the mountains in Tennessee and fall up there is amazing. The air was so cold, but it breathed new life. I love the change of seasons.
Everyone is different though. Some are ready for a new season and then there are some who always wants to linger in the previous one. Of course then there are always people who like to rush seasons too. Like life, seasons come and seasons go.
I think I have said this before, but I believe I am in a season of growth. I believe I have been presented with this season before but instead of sulking in it, I am actually now becoming proactive and growing so that I will learn and grow. I don't really know how to explain it other than to say that its not like I am experiencing new feelings or circumstances, instead I am reacting and listening to God's voice in a different way. My attitude has changed and instead of reacting to situations negatively I am reacting by listening to God's voice and truly finding my guidance and peace in ONLY Him.
Ephesians 6:10 says "Finally, be strengthened by the LORD and by His vast strength." I love that verse. That verse allows me to settle down and quit the works of the flesh. I can not do anything on my own. To finally realize that was so liberating. It is God's work in me that allows me to grow. All I have to do is trust that He is working in me and that I am growing into the women He wants me to be.
I do not know where my life is going. I am a teacher, I am in Seminary, I am single, and I am going to enjoy life in all of the seasons I am going through.
I trust that God knows exactly what He is doing, and I find my strength in that knowledge. This realization did not come over night. This has been a battle for a very long time. Those closest to me know how hard I have battled loving life during the lonely times.
I was playing right into the hands of the enemy. I was doing exactly what was not going to get me anywhere. I was accepting a lonely life and hating every bit of it. I am so happy I have grown and moved past that prideful attitude. I can't tell you that I fixed it or that there is a ten step program to get out of where you are.
However, I can tell you that when I truly engulfed myself in the Word, opened up my heart to the Lord, and just finally became too tired to fight it anymore, I grew. And you may not want to hear this but sometimes it just takes time. It takes time to learn and grow, to realize that this can be a good season or a bad season and its all up to you.
Please do not get confused, I am still in this season. It is not as if I am speaking from the other side, on the contrary, I am still here. The season I once hated still surrounds me. However, I am now growing in this season, instead of acting pitiful and sad. It isn't always easy. Sometimes my old mindsets and habits try to creep back, but as soon as I sense it, I pray and read the Word. I also trust that God's strength will always give me strength.
No matter how long you are in this season of your life good or bad, trust that God knows exactly what He is doing and He loves you and has reasons for this. You may not understand it now, but once you submit to the understanding that you have no clue, He will give you peace above your understanding. This will humble you and you will grow. If I have learned anything from this, it is how prideful I am because it is easy for me to ask why I am not getting everything I want. As I am growing I have realized its not all about me, its all about God. That is who I want it all to be about. May He use me how He will. I pray that I become a vessel for everything He wants to do through me. But the only way to be that is to grow in every season He has me in.
Trust in God above your own understanding. Lift your hands to Him and shout: I trust in your will for my life and I believe I am in the season for your glory!!!! Like me, I believe a weight will be lifted once you do.
God Bless you!