The bible says in Hebrews 13: 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. He does no change in glory and might. Exodus 15: 18 says the LORD will reign forever and ever. David said in Psalms 9: 7 the LORD is enthroned forever, he has established his throne for judgment. The word of God is also permanent. The prophets wrote in Isaiah 40: 8 says the grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.
The situation of human beings is different. We are temporary beings. 1Peter 1: 24 says for all flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word the LORD endures forever. The times and seasons will change according to God’s own design. Ecclesiastes 3: 1 says for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Because it is by God’s design, Romans 8: 28 says we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
What to do in challenging seasons
Changing seasons may be good times or bad times. God wants us to present a positive attitude in all seasons as God remains sure and steadfast in all seasons. In unbearable times, we must do the following:
Take refuge in God.
Some reject God in crises. In such times we must ask God for forgiveness for unconfessed sins we may not even be aware of. Psalms 57: 1 says purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be white than snow. We must not accept refuge in any other power but in the holiness of God. 1John 1: 9 says if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Taking refuge in God involves confessing and submitting to God. It further requires trusting in God because we cannot take refuge in someone we do not trust. Psalms 125: 1 says those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
Be wise in the Lord
Rather than seeking wisdom when the seasons change, we resort to recklessness and foolishness in panic and anxiety. Matthew 7: 24-25; Luke 6: 48 says everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell… but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. In times of seasonal changes, Jesus must be our anchor and our rock. Being wise in our own understanding is rather foolishness. Proverbs 3: 7 says do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. We must be discerning spiritually as wise people of God because most bad seasons stem from our evil deeds. Paul taught in 1Corinthians 3: 18 do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. Be wise in God.
Overcome fear and doubt
Fear creates doubts in the mind of a believer. Fear undermines faith upon grounds that God is not with us. Isaiah 41: 10 says do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Our God is above every authority and power visible and invisible Revelation 1: 17 says do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. We must trust in Jesus to save us from awkward seasons when we call on him.
Have God as your strength
In changing seasons, Paul advised in 1Corinthians 10: 13 no testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. God knows our strength and weakness and will intervene at the appropriate time to perfect our weaknesses. 2Corinthians 12: 9 says “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Our strength to survive or overcome an unfavourable season also lies in God’s grace which is sufficient for everyone.
Devote to pray always
Prayer is one of the weapons of a believer. Without prayer, we will become vulnerable therefore 1Thessalonians 5: 17-19 say pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Prayer is the fuel for the Spirit which keeps us going. Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 25: 13 keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. No one knows when and how the seasons may change. Jesus told the disciples in the garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26: 41; Mark 14: 38 stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial. Prayer moves God’s protective hands in our favour in and out of season.
God will not desert us
God is called the faithful God. He honours his promise. Deuteronomy 7: 9-10 says know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, and who repays in their own person those who reject him. By this assurance, we must be confident and study in troubled times. Deuteronomy 32: 4 says a faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is he. He is loving to both sinners and the righteous. Romans 5: 8 says God proved his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. God will never desert his own. Jesus said in Matthew 28: 20 I am with you always, to the end of the age. God is quoted as saying in Hebrews 13: 5 “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
God is always ready to help
Jesus knows that the burdens we carry are heavier than we know. He shows his readiness to intervene by saying in Matthew 11: 28-30 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus desires to take off our heavy burdens however they are so we would have peace. He also desires to exchange our heavy burdens with his lighter burden. Jesus wants us to learn from him how to assume lighter burdens rather than heavy burdens. The assurance of taking off our load and teaching us how to avoid it must enable us to bear good and lasting fruits in and out of every season.
Do not complain or panic when the seasons change for the worse. Rather brace up no matter the circumstance and be thankful to God for the opportunity to grow in spirit and to glorify God in difficult times as his will demands.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, help us to stand firm for you in stormy seasons knowing it works for our good. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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