A Time for Every Season
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. ”
Life is full of seasons, and I’m not referring to spring, summer, fall, and winter. No, I’m talking about the same seasons Solomon spoke of in Ecclesiastes. Each of our lives is full of seasons. A season to attend school. A newlywed season. A child-bearing and child-rearing season. A season of retirement. A season to go, and a season to stay. A season to work, and a season to rest. That’s life!
There was a God-ordained season in my life where I taught kindergarten. Now, the season has shifted to one of full-time ministry in the areas of writing and speaking. But it seems the Lord has more changes in the works—some of which I’m confident, and others I’m still praying about and seeking guidance. Don’t worry though. It’s all good. As far as I know, God still desires me to write and speak. But, soon, I’ll be sharing with you some additions to Dana Rongione Ministries. I have prayed for many hours about this “new season,” and over the past few weeks, Jason and I have worked to bring about the changes that need to be made so we can move forward.
Here’s the crazy thing about seasons—they can be both exciting and scary! There’s something exhilarating about starting a new task or picking up a new hobby, but it can also be quite intimidating. What if things don’t work out the way we think they will? What if we’re no good at the stuff we’re trying to accomplish? What if we heard God wrong, and we’re going in the opposite direction from where He wants us to go? So many questions and doubts.
There can also be a sense of dread related to changing seasons, especially if there’s a lot of money or hard work involved. We dread putting our money into something when we’re not sure it will be worth it. We hate the thought of the time and energy we must invest in getting ready for the new season. Caution tells us to hold back or wait a while, but sometimes, we just have to take the plunge.
My friend, if God is calling you into a new season, there’s nothing to fear. Yes, change is scary, and difficult decisions will have to be made along the way. But, as the old saying goes, where God guides, He provides. God does not call us into a new season without preparing the way for us. As I look back now, I can see how God has been working in our lives before we ever saw the changes coming. He has tweaked us to be ready for the new season. He has provided in ways we never imagined, and I believe He will continue to do so. I have chosen to look forward to this new season as one of wonder and excitement, and I’m eager to see what God will do in and through me during this time.
I challenge you to adopt the same mindset. Exchange your fear and dread for excitement and wonder. Change doesn’t have to be a bad thing!