Embrace and “hug” the new spiritual season!

Have you ever tried to fit into a pair of jeans that no longer fit? It’s one of the most frustrating experiences one can have. Trust me, I know! It drives me crazy.  Just think of it: something that was once cozy, super comfortable, and even cute is no longer working for you. I’m going to tie this into your spiritual seasons of life: keep reading. 🙂

You’ve had a history with those jeans.

You remember how great you looked in them. Those jeans are comfy. they are cozy.  They are familiar. When they no longer fit, you feel like screaming BOO!!! Well, at least I do. But, if you’re like me, it’s not long before you realize it is what it is. 

You’ve gotta accept the reality and buy bigger jeans.

Sure, the jeans, used to fit you, but now, they cause you discomfort and angst – both physically and emotionally. Ugh!

You know, the same thing sort of happens when we change life seasons, right?

Spiritual Season of life for Christians

Some things that were once comfortable and commonplace [in our lives] can morph into something that generates unease, discomfort, and, even sadness – just like the “too tight” jeans.

Your “something” could be a relationship, an attitude, a living situation, a job, or even the way you’ve always done your prayer time (this was a big one for me).

The bottom line is seasons change as we grow and mature. Sometimes, our surroundings simply grow and mature. Either way, change happens and, no matter, what you have to deal with it.

We must adapt and change with the things in our life that cease to look familiar. If we don’t we can restrict the circulation of joy and peace in our lives. Just like trying to wear those tight jeans. Circulation will be affected…especially after lunch at Olive Garden.

Anyway, the end result is being “stuck”.

Have you ever felt “stuck” in life? It’s like the driest, most unfulfilling state of being. You begin to feel as though you’re simply “going through the motions” of life.

You wonder if there is more. You hope there is more. You dread getting out of bed. You feel stuck, drained, and empty.

Often, the reason you feel this way is that you’re “stuck” and your spiritual circulation is cut off.

You’re not creative. You’re not challenged.

When you feel this way ask yourself:

Is there something God has deposited into my heart to do, start, try or venture toward?

If so, your ticket from “stuck-ville” is hidden in your obedience to do it. He has changed your season. You’ve outlived the usefulness of the “familiar”. It’s time to endeavor beyond your current life situation.

Why we must embrace spiritual seasons of life…

Face it.

God may have matured you beyond your current “place” and you will only repeatedly frustrate yourself if you insist on trying to make the old things “fit”.

It’s as frustrating as trying to fit into a pair of size 6 jeans when you’re now a size 14 (and I can relate very well to that example). 🙂

Trying to make things “fit’ is nothing more than an exercise in madness.

Don’t do that to yourself.

Instead, pray about what God wants you to do in this new [or impending] season and press toward that. It’s not easy. Sometimes the “new” is scary. As scary as me starting my new YouTube channel.

Your “new” could be as simple as writing the vision down in your journal.

Writing things down is the first step toward bringing something from the imaginary or ethereal into our current reality. Remember Habakkuk 2:2?

Maybe God will first guide you spiritually to let go of the past.

This could be nothing more than the emotional exercise of mentally releasing that thing that was once very comfortable. That’s the way to progress to the future spiritual seasons – let go and ask Him to help you.

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what to do in all spiritual seasons. He will guide you.

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says it all! Click To Tweet

Tips that help me embrace the spiritual seasons of life:

1. Reconcile that you are a pearl of great price to the Lord and He gave all for you.

He has great plans for you!

He means you nothing but good and will ensure you succeed if you trust and obey Him. In other words – don’t be scared. Sure, a big vision for your life or new season can be frightening at first; but, embrace it and trust your God.

He will be with you every step of the way!

2. Ask Him about your “exit strategy” as you enter your new spiritual season.

He may reveal it now; then again, He may not. Yet, ask Him how you will disentangle yourself from situations, circumstances, and even people, in order to walk in your “next”.

God will position people, remove people and make sure everything transitions smoothly.

Then, all you have to do is trust Him to open the door at the right time and give you the courage to walk through it!

3. Resign to the fact that your life is not your own.

In the end, only His plans matter. He’s God! Trust Him. Calling Jesus Lord is so much easier than making Him Lord.

I call these transition seasons “spiritual seasons” but, really, it’s just about being obedient to do exactly what He is calling you to do and being where He wants you to be.

We can call Him the Lord of our lives, but the minute He wants to “shake things up”, we resist. Silly us!  If Jesus is Lord at all in your world, He is Lord of all as well.  Surrender. Obey. Do what He says – even if you’re scared.

Meditate on God’s Words to get comfort and strength to move forward.

After doing the above three things – which have worked for me- then, be still.

Exercise the maturity to simply wait on God’s leading and direction.

Truthfully, this can be the most difficult part, but you can do it with the power of the Holy Spirit.

His perfect timing is the yang to whatever He calls you to do. I guess the “call” itself is the yin in this analogy.

Note: I know I’m not the best writer. I’m not the best t-shirt designer. I’m not even the best podcaster, but I’m doing what I know God told me to do. I want to embrace my spiritual seasons. The first step to obedience is just DOING IT!

Anyhoo, as you move into your new spiritual season of life: embrace what’s ahead, prepare for the change and submit to God’s authority. Amen?

Be ready for your spiritual season. Move toward it!

“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-