3 There is an occasion for everything,
and a time for every activity under heaven:
² a time to give birth and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to uproot;
³ a time to kill and a time to heal;
a time to tear down and a time to build;
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance;
⁵ a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing;
⁶ a time to search and a time to count as lost;
a time to keep and a time to throw away;
⁷ a time to tear and a time to sew;
a time to be silent and a time to speak;
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace.

I truly love when you have an “aha moment” during your day. I also call these God-winks! My prayer has always been to be keenly aware of God’s voice throughout the day. My dear friends, I just don’t want to miss anything, and I know you feel the same! There are so many stories and lessons from His creation to the words spoken from an innocent child’s heart that we can see and hear God in all things. My prayer for you is that you seek His face and voice in all things because trust me, He is speaking…even in the silence there is a message.

While wrapping up the work day, I was talking to a coworker who made a profound statement that simply washed over me…”What would I say to myself if I were my own best friend?” I couldn’t help but interject and ask this friend to repeat this self-reflecting interrogative. I braced myself on the wall as I continued to feel the Holy Spirit flood my soul with memories and edification. I couldn’t help but reflect upon my life and the seasons I have endured. This was almost a soul-cleansing experience.

The message that continued to boil up inside of me following this question involved “seasons of life.” God paints us a beautiful example, naturally a perfect example, of change; this change occurs four times a year without fail in reference to our particular weather patterns and physical divisions of the year. However, we also experience seasons of life that are also characterized by divisions in life patterns, behaviors, experiences, emotions, friends, family, and trials.

So, why do we accept the changes in our weather through the four natural seasons yet we fail to accept change ordained in our own lives? Yes, let that sink in for a moment. That actually may sting a little. As human beings, we crave consistency for the most part. We thrive on familiarity. This is where we feel comfortable enough to let our personal walls down…to feel vulnerable. However, when the cool air of personal change begins to blow in, we exhibit stubbornness, defiance, and most certainly resistance!

The best example I can provide is through friendships. Throughout my lifetime, I have had seasons of very close friends, those that I spoke to daily and spent a great amount of time with. Yet, due to changes in schedules, work, kid’s sporting events, etc., you simply drift apart. This has always been tough to understand and even accept. However, I truly see it as a season in life. I do not resent the change or place blame. I am thankful for God placing these people in my life because I always learn from them. I pray that you always see each relationship as a learning opportunity. God will use anything to draw us closer to Himself; we must be quick to listen.

What other season of life examples have you experienced?

What are you currently experiencing?

Are you refusing to accept the change?

God longs to speak to you, and He often places change in your path to (A) draw your focus to the King and to (B) build your faith. The worst thing you could do is to hold on to what God is trying to let go. If you find yourself in a season of change, I encourage you to evaluate what you learned. Then, I strongly encourage you to walk confidently through the door He has opened.

Where God leads, He provides.

Where God leads, He protects.

Where God leads, He teaches.

Where God leads, He sharpens.

Where God leads, He molds.

Where God leads, He crafts perfection.

Dear friends, do not hold on to the things that God has removed or is attempting to remove in your life. Where He closes one door, He opens another. Keep your eyes focused on the cross and you will always be surefooted. You will pass through many doors throughout your life. As you walk through, don’t look back! God is escorting you ahead. Turning around only invites Satan to confuse you and play with your emotions. May you be blessed and protected as you travel your God-given mission accepting your beautiful seasons of life.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta