Seasons of Change: Learning to Surrender to God Through Each Season

The Winter Season

Lately, it seems that one bad thing after another keeps happening in my life and those around me. Everything from illnesses and loss of income to death and fearful living. Most days it seems like I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The past few years have been difficult for so many of us. During the hard times, I try my best to see the good (silver lining) in the many dark clouds. And there have indeed been some good things even in the midst of despair or troubling times.

But some days it is particularly difficult to look on the bright side. At times, I have a tendancy to feel sorry for myself and can hardly believe all of the hardships. But something shifted in me on one of those tough days.

I reached out to God. Not in a superficial way, but in a real, deep, meaningful way. I got on my knees and prayed. Really prayed. I started by thanking Him for the good things that I could see in my life and thanked Him for what He is doing now and is going to do in the future.

Then I reminded Him that no matter what happens in my life, I know He will get me through it. I trust Him.

Those words can be very hard to say, let alone believe. To fully surrender our lives over to God and trust that no matter what the circumstance, He will be there to go through it with us, is hard. But we can do so knowing that He is holding us up.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Seasonal Perspective

Because life is full of ups and downs, I like to look at it in terms of seasons. We all have seasons of life that we experience. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. How we view each of the seasons of life, is important.

Let’s take a look at what I mean.

• Spring: The time in life when things seem new, blossoming, fresh and exciting.
• Summer: A season of life when things are light and fun, carefree.
• Fall: A time when things start to wind down and perspectives change to preparations and celebrations.
• Winter: A season when things can be cold and harsh. Frozen and barren, yet reflective.

If you think about it, we all experience these four seasons on a regular basis in our lives. And some seasons can last longer than others. What season are you currently in?

 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1

If you are currently in a Winter Season, I want you to be hopeful. Hopeful because in the natural seasons of the year, think about what follows winter. That’s right, spring!

And spring is a wonderful time of year in nature. It is when the grass begins to turn green again, the flowers begin to bud and bloom, birds are singing, the temperature outside is warmer, the days are getting longer (sunlight), and in general most of us are in a more upbeat mood and simply feel better.

There is new life, new hope, and a new blessing just waiting for us.

But no matter what season you are currently in, take it for what it is. If you are in winter, be encouraged that spring is just around the corner.

If you are in a summer season right now, enjoy it and pray that it lasts a long, long time. No matter what you are going through, good or bad times know that God is always with you.

If you are struggling, know He is there to get you through. If you are in a season of joy and prosperity, know that He is supplying all good things.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

We can find contentment and wholeness in God when we surrender whatever season of life we are in to Him. Fully trusting Him in either the harshness of winter or the carefree days of the summers of life can be a game changer.

Want a little music to inspire you?

Enjoy I Surrender All by Ruben Studdard.