How Has God Gifted You in This Season?

What kind of season are you currently in? 

God will take you through different seasons of life and equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in each one.* 

The Oxford Dictionary defines “season” as four divisions of the year: spring, summer, autumn and winter. A particular weather pattern marks each season.

According to Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV), “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Your circumstances are providential and have purpose, whether orchestrated by God or allowed by Him. God is intentional in your life.

Let me repeat: God has a plan for your life when you surrender to His authority to be used by Him for His glory and your good.

Pause and consider the following:  

•      Are you in a “spring” season of new beginnings or hope and opportunities?

•      Or a “summer” season where everything you do is full of growth or filled with distractions?

•      Or maybe you are in an “autumn” season where you feel your life slowing down and becoming more inward-focused to nurture  yourself.

•      Perhaps you are in a “winter” season where opportunities appear dormant or non-existent, or you may be experiencing heartbreak, loneliness, illness or sadness.

Take some time to assess where you are and ask yourself what season you identify with the most right now. Then consider what God may be teaching you in this season. As you consider your gifts, talents and passions, also consider God’s purpose for your life. 

EMBRACING YOUR GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creature that crawl on the earth.’ So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” –Genesis 1:26-28

God intended His crowning jewel, you, to rule and reign over His creation. As a people created in His image to reflect His glory, you were created distinctly different from the rest of creation and given the functional ability to reason, love, solve problems, etc., all with purpose in mind.

Imago Dei is the Latin phrase meaning “the image of God.” God has created you with the capacity and ability to be in relationship with others while being in relationship with Him, in a way that reflects His character for His purposes. How you use this gift reflects who you follow.

 
WHAT IS GOD TEACHING YOU RIGHT NOW?

I remember being in difficult seasons of life that taught me perseverance and patience. I remember seasons of great joy and plenty and learning how to generously give my time, treasures and talent. I remember “winter” seasons of change and sickness. God taught me to rest and trust Him for friendships and healing. In each season, my faith was strengthened and my purpose made clear. 

Proverbs 16:9 says, “A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.” You can find solace in your current season because Jesus is walking with you through it and purposely refining and blessing you as you trust Him.

When you think about your purpose in this season of life, do your thoughts go to personal bests and the pressure of performance, or the pressures of winning seasons, or how much NIL money can you get, or “Do I need to recruit this player or that player?” Or will you remember Genesis 1:26-28 and reflect on Imago Dei and the fact that you were created in the image of God to glorify God with His purposes in mind for your life to help you and not harm you?

What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you in this season? What can you learn that will make you stronger in your faith and more pliable in God’s hand to grow you more and more in Jesus’ image? How is God equipping you in this season of life right where you are; whether an athlete, a coach, a volunteer or a supporter of the ministry of FCA?

Remember that God loves you, has a divine purpose for your life and is using this season of life for your good! 

*Richard Blackaby, The Seasons of God: How the Shifting Patterns of Your Life Reveal His Purposes for You

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Live It Out:

Quarter Verse – Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Question – What season are you currently in? How might God want to meet you in this season?   

Challenge – See how God is equipping you in this season and ask Him to help you live this season for His glory.

*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.

We want you to join us as we go through the Glory journey this year! Discover Chasing Glory, Received Glory, Reflecting Glory and Lasting Glory in your heart and purpose by diving into God’s Word and joining us through monthly content and challenges. Visit 

 and start today!