UNDERSTANDING THE SEASONS IN LIFE
Growing in the Seasons of Life – Ecclesiastes 3:2-8
“As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night…” Genesis 8:22
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
“… Everything on earth has its special season.” Ecclesiastes 3:1(NCV)
FIVE general facts about the seasons of life.
1. They are beyond my Control.
“God controls the times and the seasons. He makes and unmakes kings…” Daniel 2:21
2. The seasons of life are often Confusing.
“God does everything just right and on time, but people can never completely understand what he is doing…” Ecclesiastes 3:11
3. God has a Purpose for every season of your life.
“… We know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” Romans 8:28 (TLB)
4. The seasons of life include both Good and Bad times.
“God makes everything beautiful in its own time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
5. What I sow in one season, I will reap in another season.
“Let us not be weary in doing well for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9-10
FOUR questions you need to ask yourself, no matter what situation you are in.
1. WHAT CAN I LEARN IN THIS SEASON OF LIFE?
“Remember what you have learned about the LORD through your experiences with him.” Deuteronomy 11:2
TWO facts about the school of experience in life:
I. If you flunk a test in the school of experience in life, you get to take it over.
II. Just about the time you think you have graduated; you learn there are more classes to take.
What does God want me to learn?
“This happened that we might learn to trust, not in ourselves, but in God…” 2 Corinthians 1:9
2. WHAT CAN I ENJOY IN THIS SEASON OF MY LIFE?
3. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR THIS SEASON?
“People ought to enjoy every day of their lives…” Ecclesiastes 11:8
“Give thanks in all circumstances; that is God’s will for you…” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
“How do you know what will happen tomorrow? What, after all, is your life? It is like a puff of smoke, visible for a little while and then disappearing into thin air.” James 4:14
“There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
“Live life then with a due sense of responsibility not as those who do not know the meaning and purpose of life, but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite the difficulties these days.” Ephesians 5:15-18
“… I have learned to be content in any situation.” Philippians 4:11
4. HOW CAN I HELP OTHERS IN THIS SEASON OF LIFE?
“Whenever you’re able, do good to people who need help.” Proverbs 3:27
“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 (TLB)