There are all kinds of spiritual seasons in life we will have to go through. Some are easier than others. If you examined your life right now, what season would you say you are currently experiencing?

• The waiting season: We all experience seasons of waiting on God and it’s not an easy thing for us to do. At times, we get frustrated and impatient in our waiting, because we want things to happen in our own timing. That’s why God is teaching us patience in this season to wait on Him. His timing is different from ours, but He’s always right on time even when we don’t see immediate results. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14) KJV

• The mourning season: Out of all the seasons of life, this is the most painful. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things we can face in life. It brings deep sadness and a feeling of emptiness that can be hard to bear. Mourning is a difficult process to go through. However, we can find comfort knowing God understands our sorrow and He’s right here to comfort us. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) KJV

• The blessing season: This is the season where we can expect God’s blessings to overflow in our lives. When we walk in obedience to God’s word, we can be confident that God will fulfill His promise to bless us in everything we do. “Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” (Deuteronomy 28:6) KJV

• The spiritual warfare season: This season is the most intense season because we’re in spiritual warfare against the devil. We must stay spiritually prepared and equipped daily with the full armor of God. By doing this, we will be ready to fight against every trick and scheme the devil tries to attack us with. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11) NIV

• The test and trial season: When we approach a test or trial of any kind, we’re not usually excited about it. However, it’s through our test and trial seasons that we’re given the opportunity for God to refine our character; helping us to rely on Him. As we reflect on our experiences, we can acknowledge that the tests and trials we face can develop perseverance in us. “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4) KJV

So be encouraged today and always remember: No matter what season we’re in right now, it will not last forever. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) KJV

Minister Sherry Ivy is a Minister of the New Providence M. B. Church (Healing & Yoke Destroying Ministry) in Macon, Mississippi, under the leadership of her husband, Pastor Willie J. Ivy Sr. you can contact her via email at [email protected].