“To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
What season do you find yourself in today? Are you transitioning well? Have you ever met someone who is stuck between the seasons? Maybe you are one of them.
How can we transition well?
Are you stuck in an uncomfortable and unnatural zone in the progression of life? Aging is not generally honored or even desired in our society today so it is no wonder some women hang onto their past and can’t move on. This is sad because every season has its beauty and advantages. Many great civilizations have taken care and given great respect to not only the aged, but the passing of youth into adulthood, the “coming of age.” Many teens are stuck in childhood and many should-be adults are stuck in their youth.
Hindrances to moving through the seasons of life:
1) Clinging to something in the past that is holding you back.
Maybe a relationship, maybe a house or a state you lived in, maybe emotions of bitterness, unforgiveness. Don’t make your life miserable by making each day a rerun of the past. Sometimes you have to chose your way out of your problems.
2) Forgetting what my purpose is in ALL seasons of life.
Leaving God out of the picture, entering a new season in your own strength.
3) Fears of entering fully into this new season.
Not trusting in God’s faithfulness for all the new things facing you. Don’t allow your feelings to pull you into a debilitating depression.
4) Unwillingness to engage in the new season – resistance.
Stubborn refusal to participate in life at your present age.
Helpful Insights to moving through the seasons of life:
1) Realize what does not change.
God hasn’t changed. You are still who you are and God’s purpose for you remains.
2) For the past, be grateful.
Gratitude for even difficult things. Gratitude for victories over giants in your life. Some things you’ll need to let go. Unhealthy relationships keep you from moving on.
3) For today, be content.
Time does not wait for you to straighten out your attitudes. Don’t bring grudges into the next season of your life. Root out the sapling of bitterness before it grows into a forest.
4) For the future, be excited.
The future is intended to be the brightest portion of your life. There is always something to look forward to. There is always something ahead, even if you are 90 years old. Something better, something bigger and beyond yourself. Even if the next step is heaven.
5) Ask God to show you ways you can honor Him in this new season of life. You will feel blessed and fulfilled.
6) Look to the example of someone in the next generation who has navigated through life’s trials well and currently is living a God-honoring life.
Ephesians 5:15-17 “ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
MORE THOUGHTS from GOD’s WORD:
Philippians 3:13 & 14; Ephesians 4:31 & 32; Isaiah 43:18-19; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6
by Gwen Klontz
used by permission