Understanding Spiritual Seasons
Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day.
He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die.
“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” 1 Kings 19:3-4 NLT
Elijah was a great prophet of God who performed miracles, turned people back to their God and confronted wickedness in leaders. After a miraculous encounter where Elijah showed that the God of the Bible is the true God, Elijah was exhausted and wanted to just die.
What is going on here? What happened to Elijah?
Elijah was caught off guard by a change in his spiritual season and just wanted to give up.
Can you relate?
Many times, when darkness envelopes our spiritual life, we are caught off guard by a change in our spiritual season, and we just want to give up. Understanding spiritual seasons can help us navigate the inevitable emotional ups and downs of life.
UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL SEASONS
SUMMER SPIRITUAL SEASONS
Everyone loves spiritual summer seasons! Life is good. Our hearts feel full of the goodness of God. We are making an impact on the lives of others. It is easy to navigate spiritual summer seasons!
The Prophet Elijah was in the summer spiritual season in First Kings 18. This is often referred to as, “The Contest on Mount Carmel.” On this mountain Elijah proved that the God of Israel was the one true God. A stunning victory for one person!
FALL SPIRITUAL SEASONS
Fall is when we harvest in the labors of the summer season. For Elijah, this was bringing rain back to a country enduring a terrible drought (1 Kings 18:41-46). For us, it is seeing the fruit or effects of the effort we have put into life change, helping others, etc.
WINTER SPIRITUAL SEASONS
Winter spiritual seasons are when we want to give up. We are tired. We did not see the results that we hoped for. The days are dark and cold. We feel alone. We feel overwhelmed.
No one likes winter spiritual seasons. They seem to last forever. But if we can hang on, give our disappointments to God, surround ourselves with godly friends, we can pass through this spiritual season. For Elijah his winter spiritual season is found in 1 Kings 19:1-9
SPRING SPIRITUAL SEASONS
Everyone loves spring! The days are getting longer. Warmth is returning. Nature starts to put out her buds and life seems to return.
Spring is the start of new opportunities for those who have navigated their winter spiritual season. For Elijah this was hearing the voice of God in a fresh way and receiving a new commission. See 1 Kings 19:9-21.
God has spring seasons for you as well. Jesus speaking to you in new ways. Your Bible reading seems to pop with new insights. Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. New starts.
Wherever you are in the spiritual season cycle, know that the ‘summers’ will not last forever, but neither will the ‘winters.’ You are not alone. We all go through the spiritual season cycles. And Jesus will be faithful to grow you in every season.