Changing Seasons

June 21, 2012 — 14 Comments

Photo Credit: VXSide on DeviantArt.com

We all experience seasons in life.
We all go through times marked by a distinctive characteristic.

We go through seasons of prosperity and seasons of lack.
We experience seasons of growth and season of stagnation.
We wrestle through seasons of hardship and rejoice in seasons of peace.
We face seasons of anonymity and seasons of popularity.
We go through seasons where it seems as if God has left us and seasons where we sense His presence all the time.

Seasons are a natural part of life.

They mark our lives.
They shape our attitudes.
They develop our character, expose our insecurities and show us what God wants us to work on.

They teach us the lessons that only extended periods of time can teach.

“I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit.” – Leviticus 26:4

God knows the seasons. He knows the struggles. He knows our current circumstances, our situation, the predicament we find ourselves in.

And He knows what they are developing in our lives.

God will give us only what we need for the season of life we are in.

If you haven’t seen my social media explosion, I recently accepted a position helping develop the communication strategies for Northwoods Community Church.

It’s a new season in my life.

I’m moving from information guy to communications guy.
Powerpoint slide creator to graphic designer.
Social media poster to social media specialist.
Low man on the totem pole to actively shaping a communication strategy.

It’s an exciting time.
But it won’t be without it difficulties.

Every season has its struggles.
Every season pushes us.
Every season teaches us, stretches us and challenges us.

Every season prepares us for the next.

I don’t know what this season has in store. I don’t know the lessons I’ll learn, hardships I’ll face or joys I’ll receive.

But this season will prepare me for the next step in life.
And so will yours.

How is God preparing you for the next season in your life?

In Life , ,
permalink

Jason Vana

Posts Twitter Facebook

Jason is an imaginative leader with a heart to ignite younger generations to impact the world for Christ. He currently lives in Monmouth, Illinois, and oversees Ignite Student Ministries - a dynamic ministry to ignite youth, young adults and university students to passionately pursue Christ and transform society in high schools, work places and universities around the world.

Free updates via email or grab the feed:

  • http://thomasemason.net/ Thomas Mason

    Being out of the loop in social media for the past month I didn’t know about the new season in your life. Thanks for letting us know through your blog. It’s cool to see how God is rewarding your faithfulness in the things he’s given you to do, only to have them be expanded and give you opportunities for further growth and greater influence.

    “God will give us only what we need for the season of life we are in.” Thank God for that. Otherwise, we’d be fearful and discouraged.

    • http://dbartosik.com/ David Bartosik

      Crazy what being out of the loop for even a week or two or much more a month can do!  It is good to be in the world and the relationships of people like our wife and friends from our community but also to engage with our friends around the country and globe :) hope all is well with you Thomas!

      • http://thomasemason.net/ Thomas Mason

        I agree David. I’m well. Hope all is well with you. I take it you received the journal. Have you started writing in it yet?

        • http://dbartosik.com/ David Bartosik

          hahah!!! almost :) I have a couple pages left in my last one and then I am switching!! Cannot wait Thomas :)

    • http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

      Thanks, Thomas! As you can see, I was out of the loop of my blog for the weekend. Been busy getting ready for the Czech trip this weekend. Very exciting.

      • http://thomasemason.net/ Thomas Mason

         That is so exciting! I’m looking forward to hearing more about it.

  • http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

    This is something that God has been showing me lately too. Jesus said to not be anxious because today has enough trouble for today. We have just enough grace to deal with what’s in front of us – not to worry about the future, too.

    • http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

      There has to be a rhythm to our looking towards the future. We can’t be so focused on today that we don’t plan or prepare for tomorrow, but at the same time, we shouldn’t be so focused on the future that it hurts our present. It can be a tricky balance sometimes.

  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    I’m so happy for you bro! It’s great to hear you moving into a new season and position.

    God is working in my life about how to be a father. Growing up I did not have a good example of what a father should be and do. With God’s grace I will become a Godly father who raises my son in the ways of the Lord.

    • http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

      Thanks, Dan! I am beyond excited for this new season. It’s been a long time coming (three and a half years!!).

      I’m glad to hear that you are taking steps to be the kind of father you didn’t have. 

  • http://www.eileenknowles.com Eileen

    Love this reminder, Jason.  Every season has a purpose.  I’ve had to remind myself of this lately too. 

    • http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

      Every season does have a purpose, whether we can see it or not.

  • http://dbartosik.com/ David Bartosik

    Love it Jay!  Very very excited for your transition and all that the future will have for you and def. feel like I am in a season of transition too.  Just left Kosovo and now working in SoCal and the pace of life is different but your encouragement is needed…God is giving us just what we need.  Thanks for the refreshing words this morning my man!

    • http://www.jasonvana.com Jason Vana

      Thanks, David! I am very excited to see what this new season holds. I am a bit nervous – it is change, after all! But I know God is in this completely and I can’t wait until Friday when I get to fully walk into this new role.

      I’m glad this post encouraged you in your time of transition. Change can be intimidating at times, but when we know God is with us, we can take hope that everything will work out. Praying for you, man!