Seasons

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Except for the summers that I worked at camp in other states, I have spent my entire life in Kentucky and Tennessee. And, by living in these areas, I have enjoyed four distinct seasons each year. God, in His wisdom, set the rhythm of creation in seasons. Each one (spring, summer, fall, and winter) carries its own beauty, purpose, and lessons. 

The spring brings green grass, leaves budding out, flowers blooming, warmer temperatures, and frequent rain showers. Summer brings the heat, longer days, increased sunlight, sometimes little rain for extended periods, and usually fun times like family vacations. Fall brings changing and falling leaves, frosty mornings, cooler temperatures, and harvest time. Winter brings shorter days, cold temperatures, frozen precipitation, and indoor activities. I have enjoyed experiencing all of these different seasons. Just this past week, we had some days in middle Tennessee where all four seasons were represented. We started in winter with morning lows in the upper 30s, by mid-morning we were in springtime, by early afternoon we were experiencing the warmth of summer, and by dusk, we were in fall. Sure makes it hard to know what to wear!

In life and our journey with God, we experience different seasons that mimic those of creation.

Spring represents a season of renewal. It's a time of renewed faith, repentance, and growth. Just as spring bursts with new life, God brings fresh renewal. Is God wanting to grow something new in you right now? If so, how will you respond?

Summer reflects a season of faithfulness. This is when we are walking closely with Christ. Our faith has been strengthened, and we are living it out through love, service, and joy. Just as summer brings dry spells, we must stay rooted in Him to avoid this in our faith walk. If you are in this season of your journey with Christ, what fruit are you producing and how can you yield more?

Autumn or fall exemplifies a time of letting go. Sometimes God calls us to let go of old habits, relationships, or comforts. This is also a time of gratitude for all God has done in our lives and a time to trust Him in the transitions. If you find yourself in this season, what do you need to let go of, and with what do you need to trust the Father?

Winter represents a season of rest and trust. Once we let go of things that have been weighing us down, we can enter a time of rest. This is the season of waiting, trusting, and preparing for what’s next. If you are in a period of waiting, a holding pattern, so to speak, how can you actively wait and trust God?

We also experience seasons of life that relate to our age and stage. Recently, I have found myself pondering what the rest of life will look like. I feel as if I am in the autumn of life, staring into winter, those ‘golden years’, and asking what God wants to accomplish through me. While I may not know all there is to that answer at this point, what I do know is that, regardless of what stage we are in life. God has a plan and purpose. And He wants to use us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, ‘’’For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” He loves us and is pursuing a relationship with us. He wants to be the Lord of all of our seasons. So, we must stay focused, with our eyes on Him, looking to Him for direction and opportunities. Then, we must step out in love to follow Him and bring His love to a lost, dark world in need of light. 

Call to Action

Make note of a “new thing” God might be inviting you to step into (new ministry, mindset, or habit).

Ask God to show you one person who needs encouragement or support, and then follow up.

Show gratitude by writing a list of things that you are thankful for. 

Practice stillness—set aside a few minutes daily just to sit in God’s presence.

Digging Deeper

Read these additional verses relating to each of the four seasons as noted above: Isaiah 43:18-19, John 15:4-5, John 15:4-5, Psalm 46:10.

Prayer

God, thank You for being present and Lord over every moment of our lives. Teach us to recognize Your purpose in each season: to grow in spring, to bear fruit in summer, to release and trust in autumn, and to rest in winter. May every season draw us closer to You. Amen.

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens