A New Season 11.5.23
Last Sunday I started a new series on recognizing that every period of time in our life is temporary and, in reality, we are constantly transitioning from one season to another. It might be the addition of children into our home, or having our kids move out and becoming empty nesters. Maybe it’s a move into a new house or community or even a new job. The death of a loved one, either a spouse or a parent, also propels us into a new season of time.
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that the events and stories of the Old Testament are to serve as examples for us. So from the story of Moses, Joshua and the Israelites, as recorded in Deuteronomy and Joshua, I’m spotlighting three essential elements of successfully transitioning from one season to another.
- Remember the Past with Gratitude – Recall God’s faithfulness. Embrace the memories of days gone by. As Dr. Seuss tells us; “don’t cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened.
- Be Obedient in the Present – Just as the priests in Joshua 3:13 had to put their feet into the water before it stopped flowing, there’s often something God is asking us to do to enter a new season. We must be obedient in order to see His promise. One thing Pastor Don Ross has always taught me is that our obedience is the way we glorify God.
- Take Courage for the Future – So often we see repeated in the Scriptures the words, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.” You see God is moving with us into the new season. We don’t have to wait until we get to where we are going. He’s with us now. Lean into the presence and power of God that gives us peace and courage to move forward into the unknown.
Let’s ask the Lord to help us apply these principles, both as individuals and together as a church family, as we prepare for a new season of time.