Seasons

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth its fruit in season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."  

                                                Psalm 1:3   NKJV 

With only a short time of summer left, we are nearing autumn, a time that offers beautiful leaf colours that eventually flutter to the ground. For them, the season is over, but not for the wildlife who gather them up for nesting and habitat purposes. A fallen leaf is so easy to crush. It no longer has its water supply, therefore, it may become brittle and break into pieces as it is crushed. This brings a benefit to many insects who gather the pieces up, possibly as an eating resource during the winter months.

Seasons come and go. For the tree, the most important part is the hidden root system that draws up water for the plant. In a similar way, the most important part of a believer's life is the spiritual root system that draws on the hidden resources we have in Jesus. To ignore this root, can lead to us becoming dry and brittle. We've probably all felt this way at times.

Seasons come and go for us too. One moment we can be in the flow of things and then, suddenly, we come down with a bump. It maybe because, within the church, we have been used on a regular basis - preaching, teaching, music, children's work etc. Then all of a sudden, nothing. This can hurt our feelings but it may not be because you are not wanted any longer. Rather like footballers are substituted within a match to give them a rest period and somebody else a chance to play, this may be where you are, at this moment. Try not to take it personally. Seasons come and go and yours may be over for a short time. Notice that I said, 'for a short time'. Obviously, if the period that you are inactive is longer than you anticipated, be brave and try to find out when you'll be allowed back on the pitch.

One thing that we must all do, is stay spiritually fit. We must take care that we are looking after our spiritual root system so that it doesn't become dry. Like the tree and other plants need watering and the right kind of plant food, then you are the same. You need to dust yourself down with the words of scripture on a regular basis. Whether you are being used in the church or not, you still need to keep spiritually fit. You never know when you are going to be called on to act for Jesus. If you are spiritually dry and brittle, you will be of no use to someone who is feeling the same way. That would be like that old anecdote about seeing a person on the edge of a cliff who is obviously going to jump off, and you running up to counsel him and then you both jump off. Joking aside, you need to keep yourself in trim. 

Are you open to the fact that God may be leading you into a new season in your life? Your time doing what you have been doing, may have come to an end and, God has pulled the plug on it. Now you need to see what amount of spiritual power He will be pouring into you for a new season. Just be open to this fact. It may not be now but, then again, it may be. Be ready; this is the type of excitement that Jesus puts us through from time to time. But whether He is leading you into a new season or not, be alert but also enjoy the R&R that He has provided for you. Remember though, He may have given you the rest to get you ready for something better. Wow!

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out