3 To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

Quote of the day

“The providence of God is like a Hebrew word—it can only be read backwards” 

– John Flavel

Reflection

There are times in life when we find ourselves in the trenches of battle. It’s not always a physical battle. Sometimes the most daunting battles are in the mind (Romans 12:2). Yet, even in these seasons, God uses them for our good and His glory. They can build our endurance and help make us more resilient (Hebrews 10:36-39). It’s also the way God reminds us of our dependence on Him for consistent help in life (2 Corinthians 3:5). These trials aren’t pleasant and often aren’t easy to understand when we feel stuck in the turmoil.

But despite all that difficulty, we can remain confident that God will help us navigate to the other side (Hebrews 2:18). There’s no guarantee there won’t be collateral damage. However, we can rest assured that God won’t abandon us when we need Him most (Hebrews 13:5). Our most treasured family and friends may let us down, but God never will (Psalm 20:7). 

It’s these kinds of circumstances that demonstrate that there is a time and purpose for every season, just like today’s verse states. That includes the seasons that we often cannot make sense of until we look back in time. I didn’t understand how frail and vulnerable I was until I faced some obstacles in my health. I thought I was invincible, and a lot of what I did was fueled by selfish ambition. It confused me that God would allow me to face hospitalization multiple times. But instead of pushing me away from God, it drew me closer to Him (Galatians 6:9). 

Today I can look back on that season with confidence, and although it’s not written in stone, I can reflect on why God likely allowed most of it to happen. That’s where today’s quote comes into play. God doesn’t owe us an explanation, but there may come times when we look back and see that there’s no coincidence with God. 

There were reasons why He allowed those things to happen, and I am thankful because I can see that season had a clear purpose (Romans 8:28). He not only restored me from that pit but also gave me an alternative path that helped me understand why He may have ordained my suffering. Not one triumph or tragedy is wasted in the hands of our Maker (James 1:2-4). 

Sometimes the test doesn’t come in the form of difficulty. Other times, it’s in our success that our character is tested (Luke 16:10). Do we exercise stewardship and humility when we’re empowered with greater responsibility? If we’re in a position of authority, is our tendency to serve our own interests, or do we remain altruistic and selfless in nature? 

Our fallen nature does us no favors in these situations (2 Corinthians 4:16). That’s why it’s so crucial for us to remain in lockstep with the Holy Spirit’s guidance and pursue an underlying reason for our actions that aligns with God’s will for us. When we remain anchored to God and aligned with His desires for us, we will more often than not proceed in wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-7, James 1:5-8). 

For example, you may have acquired new skills and a God-given opportunity to use them. When there’s a clear fork in the road, do you more often than not use that talent to serve yourself or to serve God? In another instance, someone obtained a life-changing employment opportunity. It’s a demanding job, and the temptation to become a workaholic is real. In this scenario, would you still find time to connect to God, fellowship with His people, and make time for spiritual discipline (Proverbs 23:4-5)? 

Often, we know in our hearts when something is slowly getting dangerously close to becoming an idol (1 Corinthians 10:14). That’s when it’s easiest to recognize and change course. If we allow it to grow from a foothold to a stronghold, it’s only a matter of time before it consumes us and becomes much more difficult to conquer.

There are also seasons when we are confronted with waiting (Psalm 27:14). These are the kinds that demand that we continue to obey God, trust in His sovereign plan, and surrender to His will. Are you waiting for a relationship or perhaps even a marriage one day? Those are gifts that God may provide in His timing, but they’re not guaranteed (James 4:13-14). 

I know I have found seasons when I was in a relationship, and they included packets of happiness; they also presented some unexpected challenges. I assume you can multiply that several times over in marriage for better or worse (1 Corinthians 7:28). Likewise, there are moments that in my singleness I focus on the freedom and peace, but the highlight reel of what it was like in a relationship is not lost on me (1 Corinthians 7:33-34). 

But it’s important to recognize the big picture. One is not really superior to the other; they just come with different pros and cons. Every relationship that looks perfect isn’t. Every single person who looks content 100% of the time and has no longing for a partner isn’t what they seem, unless they’ve been given the gift of celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7-9). 

The core of what I want to emphasize is that, as humans, we tend to want what we don’t have, what is forbidden, or what has a certain degree of novelty. It’s better to find our contentment in God and trust Him to supply our real needs (1 Timothy 6:6-10, Philippians 4:19). The true test of a relationship is when the fireworks fade, and the honeymoon is in the rearview mirror. It’s not when everything is flowing smoothly. It’s not when you’re experiencing the pinnacle of mutual understanding or shared intimacy. 

The challenge starts when real life punches one or both of you in the gut, and you aren’t showing up at 100% anymore. When the romance is depleted because you’re raising kids together or facing financial turmoil. 

Do you still hold space for each other? Do you sit together in the chaos and seek God for peaceful refuge? Do they stay by your side and appreciate you on such a deep level that they are not just your romantic love, but also your best friend? These are the kind of questions you may want to explore and experience answers to before you commit to spending the rest of your life together (Ephesians 5:22-33).

You’re going to miss those days when you were single from time to time. It doesn’t have to break your relationship. So you might as well maximize that season of singleness you’re trying so hard to escape. Surrender it to God and keep in mind that you’re not living in a disadvantaged position. A lot of people on the opposite side wish they could go back to where you are. Don’t take that lightly and recognize that no one has it all. 

Life consists partly of trade-offs and compromises. Don’t let solitude become isolation; draw closer to God and invest your focus on Him for eternal dividends (Matthew 6:20-21). Enjoy the freedom of being accountable, first and foremost, to God (Galatians 5:1). Don’t rush the process—pray that He would shape your heart to wait for the right connection in His timing (Isaiah 60:22, 1 Peter 5:6).

The last kind of season I want to talk about is the hidden season. You may have stood on the sidelines for a long time waiting for that promotion. It’s hard when you feel ready for the next step in life, but it’s nowhere in sight, or you haven’t made significant progress toward it. 

Perhaps the obstacle is self-imposed through passivity, worry, fear, or sin, but at other times it’s a matter of timing. God might literally have you in hiding until the time is right. You may find yourself in one instance pushing for something or even trying to force it to happen. Then one day, you wake up, having forgotten you even wanted it, and it falls into your lap with little to no effort. It may even feel anti-climactic when it arrives because you blew it out of proportion in your head. 

But now you realize that you weren’t as ready as you thought you were. God may show you that while you were in that quiet, hidden season, you were trained. God helped you hone in discipline (1 Corinthians 9:27), solidify your identity in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and enjoy an abundance of intimacy with God (James 4:8). Now that God has chiseled your character with that solid foundation, you’re ready to put it into action. Keep in mind that:

Your growth isn’t tied to what season you find yourself in. It’s contingent on how faithful you are through it. 

Application

Now that we’ve considered several kinds of seasons and some examples of each, I want to pivot to how we can apply this insight in practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). When we embrace the season, we open the door for God to help us learn and experience the full lesson. The last thing we want to do is show a lack of appreciation for the opportunity God has given us or failing to make the best of the journey. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a season of trial, responsibility, patience, hiding, or something else altogether. 

You may even want to ask yourself what sort of season you’re in. After you identify it, you may begin to recognize what God is teaching you in that season. In a hidden season, God may simply want you to remember that human applause is overrated (Galatians 1:10). He may want to teach you to focus on His approval over man’s so that your motivation doesn’t stem from people (Proverbs 29:25). 

Instead, He desires for you to experience firsthand that His approval outweighs everything. Overvaluing others’ approval is not healthy. It’s only helpful if you aren’t significantly elevated or deflated by people in general. It doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate compliments, advice, or encouragement. It just means you no longer depend on them to fuel your growth (Colossians 3:23-24).

In waiting seasons, God wants you to see that His timing is better than yours. He loves you more than you love yourself (Romans 5:8), He knows you better than you know yourself (Psalm 139:1-4), and He knows everything. You can trust Him and recognize that, even if your life is in complete shambles, He can still restore you and get you through everything you encounter (Job 42:10). Keep your eyes on Him and remain patient (Colossians 3:1-2).

In the seasons of great responsibility of any kind, God might want to examine your character. If power, money, or influence start to lead you to compromise, He may see that you’re not ready for the next step yet. On the other hand, if He sees that your priorities are in order, it may be the first step of many more that demonstrate your obedience (1 Peter 5:10). God isn’t expecting perfection—He’s looking for faithfulness and growth. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you fumble the ball once in a while (Romans 3:10-11). Even the best of us fall short from time to time (Romans 3:23). The key is that you stay close to Him at all times and remember that you can talk to Him about everything (Jeremiah 29:13).

Finally, in those difficult seasons, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all answer here. Some of you reading this have gone through pain, suffering, and trials I can’t fathom the severity of. However, I remember the trials I have faced and even those I can see have clear reasons for their occurrence. 

I can empathize with people who have faced similar obstacles, or are even in the trenches right now. Having that first-hand experience empowers me to equip them. God helped me endure those turbulent storms for a purpose (Matthew 20:28). Now I can help some people navigate amid their chaos, and I can do so from a place of understanding. A place where I genuinely have a grasp of their pain and can provide them with some practical guidance to overcome it. 

No matter where you are, why you’re there, or how long it takes, God is with you at all times if you are one of His children. God will see you through the other side. (Romans 8:35-39).

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You, Father, for another day of life. Thank You for Your presence in every season of my life. Thank You for not leaving or forsaking me. You’ve shown me that I can always trust that no matter what happens, I will always find refuge in You.

Please help me avoid rushing through any season and to maximize each moment as a potential learning experience. Every day is a gift, and I want to make the best of them by Your grace for Your glory. 

Please continue to guide me so that no matter what season I am in, I can boldly seek Your providence. Please help me remember there’s a purpose for all of them. 

I am certain I don’t need to fear anyone or anything, because I fear You, God. After all, the fear of man is a snare, but fearing You is reverence, worship, and respect, and it is one of the most pivotal keys to long-term spiritual victory.

Thank You for the opportunity to have another day of life today. Please bless everyone who encounters these devotionals and refresh their minds with Your Word today.

You deserve all the honor, glory, and acknowledgment I can ever give and infinitely more. Please help me to remain steadfast in obedience and good works, not out of obligation or performative motives, but out of a sincere desire to delight You.

I pray in Jesus Christ’s precious, holy, and mighty name.

Amen.

Living a fulfilling and fruitful life as a believer involves discovering your purpose. We must all determine our God-given assignment to determine what He would have us invest our focus. Without this sense of direction, our lives can become aimless. It becomes easy to fall into the snare of potential distractions, instant gratification, or the pursuit of temporary idols without a clearly defined mission (Romans 1:22-25). Our faith in God and relentless pursuit of His will provide the antidote for those traps. Seeking God’s desires keeps us focused on the meaningful things in life and helps us avoid turmoil (2 Timothy 2:22).

Find God’s purpose amid an ocean of distractions.

Some things can benefit us when we don’t over-emphasize them (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). For example, excelling in a career, pursuing quality relationships, or finding some satisfaction in achievements all have their place in a well-rounded life (Ecclesiastes 3:11-13). The problem comes when one or more of these pursuits detract from our relationship with God. These are among the most common places where we find some aspect of our purpose. That’s why we must be careful not to allow the good things in life to become idols. We cannot overemphasize them to the point of neglecting God.

There are times when overlap exists between a career and a Godly directive, but for many Christians, these are two distinct pathways. We may honor God with how we excel at work, love our significant other, or honor Him with our achievements. However, when such pursuits align with our purpose in the Kingdom of God, we will experience unparalleled satisfaction. It is essential to align our goals with God’s will by spending time with Him to discern where to invest our time, energy, and resources (John 15:5).

Differentiate between worldly pursuits and Godly ambitions.

It is easy to distinguish between modern distractions and finding your meaning in obedience to God’s will. If an activity or ambition leaves you feeling empty or dissatisfied on some level, you are likely not actively pursuing your calling (Romans 12:1-2). The reality is that most of us if not all, need to cope with many things we prefer not to do on any given day. There are times when you will also have to find motivation and strength from God to walk out the calling He lovingly placed upon your life. But, even after all the diligent work, if you feel a sense of peace, joy, and satisfaction for having done it, you are on the right track. For clarity, you might ask yourself questions such as:

• “Is this something that honors, glorifies, and acknowledges God?”
• “If money was no object, would I be willing to do this for free?”
• “Do I see positive results for God’s kingdom?”
• “Am I investing in my immediate gratification or in eternity?”
• “Am I making a difference in other people’s lives?”
• “Has a fellow believer pointed out that this might be an area of gifting in my life?”
• “Does what I do for God come a bit easier to me than it might for other believers who may themselves be gifted in other areas?” 

As you reflect on these questions and, most importantly, pray about what God would have you do, do not feel discouraged if you are unsure what your niche is. I find myself enjoying writing and teaching about the Bible. I take this calling in my life seriously, knowing that as a teacher of God’s Word, I am subject to a high standard of judgment (James 3:1). Accuracy in those works is among my utmost priorities because I want to teach people without compromise. I aspire for my work to be as error-free as possible. Remember that whatever we do unto the glory of God, we should pursue with our best effort (1 Corinthians 10:31).

What is the connection between our faith and purpose?

It takes faith to invest substantial time in God’s assignment for you (Matthew 17:20). In doing God’s work, you rarely receive positive feedback, earn significant sums of money, or enjoy the world’s applause (John 15:18-21). But you will still answer the calling God has placed in your heart because it will be one of the few ways to find fulfillment and joy in serving God (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). It becomes easier when we realize that living for eternity is superior to everything this world offers (Matthew 6:19-21).

There is also a sense of connectivity and identity found in serving God that we don’t experience when we are solely seeking our best interests. When we participate in something larger than ourselves, looking outside ourselves rather than reflecting on our needs, we recognize that our concerns shrink rapidly (Philippians 2:3-5). We can’t always avoid difficult times, but helping others often brings peace. Looking outside our needs and helping others with their needs shifts our perspective from selfish desires to gratitude and contentment (Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 6:6-10). 

Seeing that we are not alone in our desire to serve God and His people is a blessing. Sharing the common ground of mutual desires to utilize our gifts, talents, resources, time, and energy to glorify God alongside our faithful friends provides us extra motivation to keep fighting the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:5-8). Our Church often motivates us to pursue God’s work in righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11-12; Galatians 5:22-23). We can often accomplish this independently, too. Still, we must always return to God, His Word, and our Christian friends to nourish us with the spiritual sustenance we desperately need to persevere (Philippians 4:6-7).

Faith in God’s Word is our moral compass.

Knowing God’s Word and utilizing it to guide our actions should go hand-in-hand. Faith is the fuel that takes us from knowledge to wisdom (James 1:5-6). When we believe God’s Word, we are compelled to be proactive in light of what we know to be true. When we know, believe, and apply God’s Word, we prioritize God’s will over our own. We will follow God’s commands, leading us to better decisions on our journey with Him (John 15:14-16). If glorifying God is our ultimate purpose, it should be intuitive that His Word is the blueprint for that intention to flourish (1 Corinthians 6:20). 

The more our faith aligns with God’s Word, the more frequently we will see it manifest itself in our actions. None of us will ever regret placing our faith in our Maker. He is sovereign over everything (Colossians 1:16-17), loves us more than we can fathom (1 John 4:7-10), does not change (Malachi 3:6), and has our best interests at heart for eternity (Romans 8:28). May we all find solace and contentment in confidently pursuing our purpose, knowing we can trust God (1 Timothy 6:6-10). 

When we value the things of God rather than the distractions of this world, we open the door to doing remarkable things. Perhaps this does not ring more true than when serving God in relative obscurity without caring about the world’s recognition. We need to operate with the right motivations. A good deed done in the name of fame, fortune, or another compromised reason is not equivalent to doing the same thing with pure motives. Of course, being that sin still lives in us, expecting perfection on our part would be naive and frankly impossible. However, God will ultimately weigh the intentions of our hearts regarding each of the actions we take, including those occurring in secret (Proverbs 21:2, Ecclesiastes 12:14).

If the world always applauds us and treats us exceptionally well, it should serve as a warning to us that something may be amiss (Luke 6:26). After all, as believers, we are in the process of sanctification (2 Timothy 2:14-21). If that is the case, we are becoming more Christ-like every day. However, given that the world crucified our Savior, Jesus Christ, can we expect to be like Him without having our share of battles? God willing, we do not have to suffer to the level He did, but some believers across the globe are actively persecuted for their faith daily. If we get too caught up with trying to do what is right in man’s eyes at the expense of our integrity with God, we need to examine and re-establish our priorities. 

There is no way for us to make an eternally meaningful impact without Jesus Christ operating in, with, and through us (Ephesians 2:10). It is an extraordinary honor that God not only allows but empowers each of us to share in the work He arranged for us to do before we were even born. Although God does not need us, He does want us to be His hands and feet here on earth (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). We cannot accomplish this mission by ourselves. Community is integral to building one another up in faith, discipleship, and offering all the components of support that we provide each other. Furthermore, we may encourage one another to pursue our respective callings through all the avenues God has opened for us. Even the most dedicated Christians can struggle outside the Church’s support network.

As much as the call to assemble as a Church is beneficial to all of us, we need to remember that our mission goes beyond the four walls we call home on Sundays. Stepping out into the world to reach the lost and provide support to those in need is a must. It is unrealistic to assume that everyone who needs to hear the Gospel will attend Church on Sunday without prompting. As much as we need to be recharged by God’s Word and refreshed by its contents in one form or another (preaching, music, Bible study, etc.), it is likewise vital to share the good news with the lost. We must make sure to take a step back from secular environments and friendships to be fed. Otherwise, we would unnecessarily risk having our walk with God derailed. Bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). As such, we need to be careful to guard our hearts and rely on God so that does not happen to us (Proverbs 4:23).

Ultimately, our legacy should truly rest on God’s will for us. There is no one-size-fits-all for how each of us ought to accomplish that. The mission may be the same in the sense of evangelizing the lost, obeying God’s commands, and serving people, but how we do all these things may vastly differ. I would venture to say we most effectively do all these things when we utilize the gifts, talents, and resources God has provided each of us for His glory. 

You may not yet be sure what that looks like for you. An excellent place to begin is to focus on the attributes that require the least amount of effort for you. For example, one of your friends from Church may have pointed out how good you are with art, singing, or producing/editing video content. With this in mind, you can approach your Church leaders and ask them where you might help with your skillset. I would suggest you not underestimate your abilities in such areas, for we are often our most prominent critics. All things considered, when you do everything as if unto God, it is only a matter of time before that untapped potential in you reveals itself (Colossians 3:23). 

If we grab hold of these Biblical ideas and diligently apply them, we will excel in the sight of God and delight Him (Psalms 37:23). As such, we will redeem our days here on earth and walk the path God has predestined each of us to pursue (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 5:16-18). Leaving behind a meaningful legacy that echoes into eternity becomes a byproduct of consistently putting our faith into action as God ordains for us to do (James 2:14-16). Aspire not to lose sight of this core mission is integral because the devil and his demons will attempt to divert us from it (1 Peter 5:8-9). The world and its fleeting pleasures will quickly fade away (1 John 2:17), but if we avoid those and focus on the things of God, we will not need to live in regret. All those times where we face suffering in our walk with God are trivial sacrifices compared to the eternal blessings ahead (James 1:2-8, Romans 8:18).