It’s probably because Christmas is two days away, or maybe because 2017 is coming to its finality, but I’ve been thinking a lot about seasons. My basic definition of a “season” is a particular point in time recognized by a specific demarcation or outcome. But seasons always have a purpose, whether it’s for growth, transition, rest or awakening there is always a reason for the season.
Life, much like nature, is cyclical. Everything has its time and purpose for being. But sometimes there are storms, hurricanes, or earthquakes that disrupt the normal course of events and add resistance to what should be basic. As if the season wasn’t enough, we’re forced to endure an added prescription to what is typically a sudden adjustment or shift in course. Or maybe it’s exactly what we needed…
I’ve endured many seasons of life and anticipate enduring many more. I’m always in awe of “how I make it through” when I get to a certain point in my perseverance. Of course, this tenacity is not due to my own credit. Sure, I’m stubborn but my faith is firmly planted in a being MUCH higher than myself and it’s how I keep focused and sane much of the time. This particular season has been my hardest, but also my best. I always learn a little more about myself in a season. But this season, I think I found pieces of myself I didn’t know were there. I think that’s the point of it all.
I have more to go, but I’m hopeful for what I see. And that may be the key to every season: hope. The Bible says that “hope is the anchor to our soul” (Hebrews 6:19). When we are anchored, grounded in something good, no matter how high the waves, we have a confidence that all will be well. It’s the ones that drift along the raging waves with no footing that lose themselves and head to danger. But anchoring ourselves as being “rooted and grounded in Christ” ( Col 2:7) always assures us that our “hope will not be cut off ” (Prov 23:18).
Seasons will always come. I may face an even greater season in my life in months or years from now, but if I make sure I’m grounded in what’s good; if I keep my mind of what is true, pure and lovely (Phil 4:8), I really can’t get too far off course. One thing I do know, the thing that will always be true no matter my test: “If God is for me, who (or what) could be against me” that he could not fix? (Romans 8:31) That answer is Nothing. Because “God works all things together for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
I may not be ready for all the seasons, but God is… and he’ll take care of me every time.
“I’m just a person who writes about her experiences to hopefully help others not fall where I have. I hope that my lessons can inspire. I pray I can produce hope in others. I write about me to unburden my soul of the weight I feel to just help one person.” -Daniela V. Mangini
Becoming Invincible 