Have you ever been in a season where life seemed to be coming together perfectly? Your kids were getting along, your house seemed cleaner than normal, your marriage was solid, your job was going well. All the things seemed to be flowing smoothly. These seasons are sweet, aren’t they? Like spring, they are full of new life, new hope, fresh beginnings and the sweet sensation of something new. These spring seasons are such a gift. They are a time to rest and remember the goodness of life.
For me, in the midst of the spring season, there is also the temptation to believe that it is a result of my own efforts, my own work, my own choices. I feel ashamed to admit it, but it’s true. Just like a difficult season leaves me questioning and doubting my work and my decisions, a sweet spring creates a sense of pride.
As I talked this over with the Lord recently, I thanked Him for all of His wonderful blessings, both large and small. And then I admitted my pride. I told Him the thoughts I was having about all of it being the result of my own good choices. In all of His graciousness, rather than condemning me, He took me back to His Word.
James 1:16-18 reads, “My dearly loved brothers and sisters, don’t be misled. Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows. We have a special role in His plan. He calls us to live by His message of truth so that we will show the rest of His creatures His goodness and love.” (The Voice).
The beauty of spring is not just for us to enjoy on our own. Although it is a blessing, the blessing serves a purpose for the Kingdom. His blessings in our life testify of His goodness and love so that others may be a witness and thereby be drawn closer to Him. Just as we would never allow a loved one to believe that a hard season was of their own making, we would be foolish to believe that a spring season is the result of our own making.
The definition of the word consistent is unchanging in nature, standard or effect over time. Our heavenly Father is unchanging in all seasons, whether blessed or troubled. Both types of seasons work to serve His purpose in our lives. Neither season is the result of our own doing. Joseph did nothing to deserve his prison sentence, Naomi did not cause the death of her husband and sons, and Job lost his family and all of his possessions in spite of walking uprightly with the Lord. But from their difficulty a nation was saved, the lineage of a Savior continued, and the restorative hand of our heavenly Father was revealed.
Friend, no matter what type of season you find yourself in, let me encourage you to lean into the work of the Father. Sit with Him and ask, what are you teaching me in this season? And allow His purpose to unfold.