New Year Sermons : Embracing The Seasons Of Our Lives

Embracing the Seasons of Our Lives

Introduction

Greetings, beloved! Today, I want us to reflect on the seasons of our lives. Just as the natural world moves through seasons of planting, growing, and harvest, so do our lives. Each season has its purpose, and God works through every moment to prepare, shape, and bless us for His divine purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Let us journey through Scripture and learn from the lives of men and women of faith whose seasons changed drastically, showing us God’s perfect timing and plan.

1. The Season of Preparation: Joseph – The Dreamer to the Governor

Joseph's life is an extraordinary example of preparation. As a young man, God gave him dreams of greatness. However, before he could step into his destiny, Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment (Genesis 37-41).

Preparation of the land and planting the seeds: Joseph's years in slavery and prison were like a farmer tilling the soil. God was preparing Joseph's character, teaching him humility, patience, and reliance on God.

Application: Are you in a season where things seem hard, where you feel like you're "buried"? Remember, God is planting seeds in you, shaping you for your purpose. Don’t despise the preparation season—it’s essential for the harvest!

2. The Season of Growth: David – The Shepherd to the King

David’s journey from a shepherd boy to the king of Israel illustrates the season of growth. When Samuel anointed David as king, he didn’t ascend the throne immediately. Instead, he went back to tending sheep (1 Samuel 16). He later faced Goliath, endured King Saul’s jealousy, and wandered in the wilderness.

Sowing and watering: Like a farmer carefully watering and weeding a crop, David grew in courage, faith, and leadership. God was cultivating David’s heart to be a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22).

Application: Are you in a season where you feel stuck or like you're "waiting"? God is growing you, teaching you skills, and preparing you for the next level. Trust His timing!

3. The Season of Testing: Job – From Loss to Restoration

Job experienced a season of severe testing. He lost everything—his family, wealth, and health—but he held on to his faith. In the end, God restored Job, giving him double what he had before (Job 42:10).

Weeding and enduring droughts: During testing, it may feel like God is far away. Just as a farmer removes weeds to protect the crops, God may be refining us through trials. Testing strengthens our faith and weeds out doubt, pride, and fear.

Application: If you’re facing loss or trials, remember Job. Hold on to God’s promises and remain steadfast, for a season of restoration is coming.

4. The Season of Harvest: Ruth – From Widow to Redeemed

Ruth’s life is a beautiful story of God’s providence. After losing her husband, Ruth chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi and serve the God of Israel. She worked diligently in the fields and eventually found favor with Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2-4).

Harvest and reaping: Ruth’s faithfulness and perseverance led her to a season of abundance and joy. She became the great-grandmother of King David, a vital link in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Application: Have you been faithful in the small things? God sees your work, your tears, and your perseverance. A harvest is coming—keep trusting Him!

5. Jesus – The Ultimate Example of Seasons

Finally, let us look at Jesus, who experienced every season. He prepared in obscurity, growing in wisdom and favor (Luke 2:52). He sowed seeds of truth and watered them with miracles and teachings. He endured the testing of the cross, and His resurrection was the ultimate harvest—a victory over sin and death for all humanity.

Application: Jesus shows us that every season serves a greater purpose. Through Him, we can endure, grow, and rejoice in every stage of life.

Conclusion

Beloved, seasons are inevitable, but they are also a gift. Just as the farmer cannot skip the preparation or growth stages and expect a harvest, we must embrace every season God places us in.

In the season of preparation, trust that God is planting seeds in your life.

In the season of growth, nurture your faith and allow God to refine you.

In the season of testing, hold fast to His promises.

In the season of harvest, rejoice and give God the glory.

Remember Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Let us pray:

Father, thank You for the seasons of our lives. Help us to trust Your process, knowing that You are faithful in every season. Teach us to embrace preparation, endure growth, persevere through trials, and celebrate the harvest. May our lives glorify You in all things. Amen.