Walking out God’s highest and best purposes for us requires a listening ear, a heart set on following Jesus, and eyes that long to see past our immediate circumstances.
Obedience looks different in every season. Certain times call us to run when we’d rather rest, or to stand and fight when we’d rather run and hide. If we want to lay hold of the life God promised us, we simply cannot take our cues from our emotional reactions to life circumstances. We lose ground every time we allow our emotional whims or selfish desires to win the day.
I’ve spent years pondering the whole idea of God’s individual call on our lives and the specific and intentional ways He prepares His people for His purposes. I’ve noticed four specific seasons many believers walk through to lay hold of the powerful, uncommon life God offers us.
Let’s take a look at the four seasons. Perhaps you may find yourself in more than one season at a time. Even so, it’s wise to discern your season so you can find the high ground where Jesus invites you to stand.
Run: Time to take ground (times of favor and stretching faith; times that call for new levels of stewardship)
Rest: Time to pull back (times of refining and replenishment, but we don’t always arrive here voluntarily, therefore, not always a welcomed season)
Stand: Time to hold on (times of purifying and testing; times when a deeper faith and a fiercer hold on God’s promises are called for)
Active Waiting: Time to keep moving forward in faith (times of internal longing towards unfulfilled desires while faithfully managing current assignments)
This journey? It’s a moment-by-moment walk of faith and grace. We follow the Shepherd one sanctified step at a time. He leads us to high places and transforms us as we go.
“For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.” Psalm 18:31-33
A portion of this post was adapted from Susie Larson’s book, .
Featured Songs: Unfinished – Mandisa; Do it Again – Elevation Worship; Glorious – Passion
What season of life are you in?
