As we go through life, we find ourselves in different seasons. Some seasons, just like our weather seasons, are not so great, and we may even dread experiencing them.
For example, summer in the South can be brutal and really drain you of energy. For many, it's too hot to enjoy the outdoors. Then there are other seasons, like fall, that everyone seems to look forward to, because we transition from the hot summer to the cool, pleasant air that gets us in the mood for bonfires and enjoying the outdoors.
Seasons of Preparation
"Seasons of life" can also be times when life isn't so comfortable. God uses us in all of the different seasons, but most of all He uses the seasons to build our character and prepare us for the future. In any kind of season that you may have been through, looking back, you can identify what God was doing in your life.
Presently, you may be going through a season of pruning, where you feel like all of your dreams and visions are just going nowhere. Everything you touch falls apart and you just can't move forward. Here, God is building your character. He is teaching you about humility and how to be humble. He is showing you that He is in control of your life and that when He is ready for you to move forward, it will be amazing. (Photo via Pexels)
When we are in the midst of these difficult situations, we can't always see what is happening, but know that God knows exactly what He is doing.
The "Process of Life"
It took me a while to realize that I would often have to go through ups and downs and seasons of change if I wanted to be used by God.
I have learned that I have to go through the seasons of life in order to gain the experience I need to deal with the situations and circumstances that await me down the road. I call this the "process of life." Instead of fighting God over what is happening around you, just surrender and let Him do His work in you and around you.
For example, you will never know how to deal with criticism until you perhaps face some. You can read all day about how to deal with it, but until you experience it, you will not fully understand how to react.
I find that facing life head-on is the best way to deal with it. I may want to run (and believe me, I often do when things get tough in my life), but I know that I have to learn and gain understanding in order to move forward.
What Season Are You In?
Take a look at where you are right now. What are you feeling? Are you happy or discouraged? Are you exhausted or ready to face life?
Try to identify what season you are in right now. You may be in a great season full of fun and excitement, but I am sure that it was not always that way. Now you have definitely entered your spring or fall, full of growth and change. (Photo via Pexels)
For others, perhaps you are in a season where you feel "stuck" and everything is monotonous. If this is you, I encourage you to push through and move forward. Don't hold back because it is hard, or because it takes every ounce of your energy to survive.
Just keep moving and it will carry you forward; you will come through to the other side. I am sure that as you do this, you will look back and realize that you needed the skills you learned while persevering through the hard times.
Seasons Change
Remember that seasons change, and by holding on and allowing God to do His work, you will be able to overcome and feel strengthened as your season changes. No season lasts forever; winter is almost over. Find beauty along the way and hold on to Him. Hold on; God is for you.
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Chantell Cooley
Chantell Cooley Ministries
Email:Â info@chantellcooley.com
Website:Â chantellcooley.com
Chantell Cooley is a successful entrepreneur and business woman on the cutting edge of 21st century education. She is co-founder of Columbia Southern University (CSU), one of America's leading online universities, and senior vice president and co-owner of Columbia Southern Education Group where she oversees Business Development, Human Resources and Admissions. The daughter of a military veteran, a wife and mother of two, Chantell is familiar with the struggles of the average American and is a firm believer in education, changing lives and helping families find happiness. Mrs. Cooley is a tireless advocate for developing leaders and an energetic corporate/motivational speaker, specializing in a range of topics on leadership, education, business and ministry. Her latest book, Winning The Game Of Life, offers thought-provoking and practical life lessons that empower the reader to succeed in life.
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