We are into the last few weeks of this year, 2019. Looking back, as we were facing the new millennium and the idea that our world could shut down when the 1,000th millennium stepped into the 2,000th millennium, I wonder if we ever found ourselves thinking we would make it this far? We all have said it... so much has happened in these last couple of decades, let alone the last couple of years! Time marches on.
Big Sweet Pea was born before the calendar turned from the 1900s to the 2000s. As new parents, we were concerned that we would be without power or the necessities needed to keep her warm and fed. We went as far as investing in a wood stove and setting it up in the basement of our home. It helped to alleviate our concerns and in the end was a blessing for more years to come.
As I contemplate the last days of this decade, I am motivated to make the most of my time. We all have the same amount of time allotted to us. David challenges us in Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” God, although He is not confined to time, created times and seasons. We would be wise to discern the days we are living in.
I think of the true historical account of the sons of Issachar in the living pages of God’s Word. “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” 1Chronicles 12:32 I am mindful of this anointing that is available to us... that we can also discern the times and know the best course to take in our lives, our families and our communities. It is important to know what season we are in which is not dependent on physical seasons but on the spiritual seasons. Just as we need to be wise as the ant who stores up its food in the summer and prepare for our household, we also need to be mindful of the spiritual season we are in.
Recently, I read a book that helped me to discern a season I have been in. The book is called “Rooted: The Hidden Places Where God Develops You” by Banning Liebscher. In it, I have seen how God develops us through seasons of preparation in order to fully carry out the mandate he has given to each of us. There are three soils in which God roots us in order to prepare us. I will touch on them next week.
Maybe you are finding your life is boring, mundane, depressing or you have lack of vision or motivation. I have news for you! You were NOT created to just get by, nor were you created to be lacklustre or apathetic about the days in which you live. If this is you, unbuckle your seatbelt.
Do not let one more day go by without considering the importance of the times you are living in. Your family needs you. Your community needs you. YOU need you! You need to know what season you are in and what and who you have been created to impact. A great place to start is to ask Jesus what season you are in. Listen to the still small voice from within your spirit and see what God is showing you.
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Matthew 13:9
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
