Wednesday, March 6, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Seize Your Season

Genesis 1:14   And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years."

As stated in today's scripture, God created days, nights, seasons, and years. As I reflected on this, I was reminded that God definitely likes variety and plenty of it! Just think about the differences in humans, animals, plants, colors, etc.

Similarly, I believe that God desires for us to have a wide array of experiences during our lifetime. 1 John 2:17 states "... but he who does the will of God and carries out His PURPOSES in his life abides forever." Notice the "s" on purposes. This tells me that He has ordained multiple purposes for our lives. An often quoted scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, also reveals God's PLANS for our future--a future filled with hope. Again, note the "s" on plans.

As I sat and reminisced with my 86 year old mother-in-law on Saturday, I was reminded of all she has accomplished in her lifetime.

She changed her career path from an aspiring teacher to become a nurse during WWII to fill a need. After getting married, she left her career to have babies. And that she did--nine of them! Once her grandchildren were born, she stepped into that role with excellence.

In her spare time, she volunteered for her church, the local food bank, the nursing home and a Juvenile Center. Although her activities are now somewhat limited, she is still able to share interesting tidbits of wisdom that are both informative and can be quite entertaining.

My mother-in-law SEIZED and embraced the various seasons of her life. Some were filled with pain--the loss of her parents, a sister, a son, a grandchild and a husband. However, she did not allow these experiences to prevent her from moving forward in the new direction that God had for her life.

Perhaps, you are now in a season of your life in which you are experiencing heartache or uncertainty. My challenge to you is to go to God and ask Him for direction. Realize that your new season could be right around the corner. Exodus 12:2 proclaims "This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you." Make this your proclamation today!

Dear Lord, I know that You created specific purposes for my life before the beginning of time. I pray that I am always able to hear Your voice as You provide the opportunities for me to fulfill Your will.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.