My Favorite Season:
Fall. It’s my favorite time of year! I love the scents of the season, the cool, crisp air, the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, hot chocolate, coffee, warm desserts, and fellowship with dear friends. Life seems to be at a somewhat slower pace as kids get back into the routine of school and we’re not running back and forth with summer activities. For me, it’s the calm before the storm of the hectic Christmas season soon to follow.
In my mind, life ebbs and flows like the seasons. However, this morning a friend shared something that made me stop and realize that for some, life becomes topsy turvy when uprooted from our comfort zones. The comment was this: “I feel like a piece of baggage left on the turn table at the airport waiting to be picked up. I have no purpose.” As I processed the comment, my heart went out to her, and I quietly prayed that God would give me the words—His words—to speak Hope into her life. For her, it wasn’t a “change of seasons” but rather “a season of change.” Her kids were gone, and her life was over. Her purpose had ended. What would she do now?
Preparing For Purpose:
One of the biggest battles you will ever face is the one raging on in your mind. If you are still breathing, God isn’t finished with you and He has a purpose for you. Satan’s goal is to make you feel invaluable as a Christian: forgotten, washed-up, with nothing to offer. He is a great deceiver and liar, and comes to “kill, steal, and destroy,” according to the Bible. If we do not prepare for battle, we will lose.
How Do We Prepare?
How do we prepare? By reading the Bible, meditating on His Word, memorizing Scripture, and having a close walk with the Lord. We strengthen our minds and fortify our spirits to stand strong in the days of adversity and change. Ephesians 6 talks about putting on the whole armor of God—being girded with Truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (ESV)
Moving Forward in Your Purpose:
How true it is that you can’t live life looking in the rearview mirror. Have you ever noticed that a soldier going into battle has no armor on his back? That’s because he is pressing forward. A Christian warrior must realize that His strength comes from the Lord and keep moving ahead with purpose and God’s plan.
When facing the giant Goliath, David, the young shepherd boy, had confidence in His God. He knew his heavenly Father would be with him to destroy the evil Philistine, an enemy of God.
The Enemy’s Lies:
Every day the devil seeks to devour us by attacking our minds. It starts as a little whisper. “
If we’re not careful and grounded in God’s Word, the devil’s lies can become a reality in our mind, making us ineffective for God’s work—for the daily battle of life. For many, your season of life is changing; kids are leaving home and friends are busy with their own lives, causing you to feel alone and without purpose. That doesn’t mean God is done; He knows exactly where you “are.”
Realize Your Worth:
Throughout life’s journey, I’ve reminded myself often that my value is measured only by who I am in Christ. He alone assigned my self-worth when He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. I matter. I am His child. And regardless of changes in the seasons of life, I stand in the shadow of the cross, worthy. Ready for battle. And willing to give Him all that I have to serve Him as I should. A heart for worship, a mind that is in tune with Him, and a close walk with the Lord will keep us on the right path to learn His purpose and follow His plan.
The Questions to Ask Ourselves:
This morning I posed some questions to my friend that I asked myself as well. “What is the real battle you are facing?” “What are your weapons?” “Are you fully equipped to go to battle?” And last of all… “How big is your God?”
I know that He can make a way in the wilderness of life, settle the uncertainty in our minds, use us in a far greater way than we can possibly imagine. He can rebuild and reestablish who we are when the seasons of life change. If they haven’t changed yet for you, they will.
Time marches on and the only thing that is constant is change. You can count on it. Don’t be discouraged; stop believing the devil’s lies. Ask God to show you the way. And while waiting for His answer, always choose joy. He’s always there and always has the perfect plan with you in mind. Regardless of the seasons.
This is From My Heart~
Bonnie Lovelace is a contributing writer to The Hallelujah House. She’s resides in the Tidewater area of Virginia alongside her husband Hub. Bonnie is passionate about sharing the hope and love of Jesus Christ to women. You can contact Bonnie directly by accessing her on the “About Us” tab on the Home Page.
