A Stretching Season

Often times, I have heard pastors and ministers preach on the importance of knowing what season you are in. There are seasons of growth, seasons of sowing, seasons of preparation, seasons of reaping and so much more. Recently, when I attended a church 10 year celebration, the pastor spoke of three seasons. One in particular caught my attention. The season of stretching. In the season of stretching you are stepping into the unknown. It is in this season that your faith in Christ will be stretched to grow. In this season, you rely more on God and less on self because you have no other place to go.

Wow! For the past year, I have stepped completely out of what has been familiar into the unfamiliar. At moments, it is scary and even sometimes frustrating. To a person like me who likes to plan, this season is uncomfortable at times. Yet, with each change, I do find myself going to God more and more. I find myself having to trust that God is in control and to listen to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, I am being stretched. I am learning how not to depend on the opinions of others to define who I am. I am learning how to hold true to the Word of God in spite of how I feel or what it seems like. I am learning to hold on to God’s hand and let Him guide me through this stage of my life. My relationships are changing. Some are blossoming and some have passed their season. I am learning to let go of the familiar and believe God in the unfamiliar.

Two things I am doing in this season is remembering to enjoy the journey and to celebrate my blessings. God has bought me to this season in my life not to overwhelm me, but He wants me to enjoy it. He wants me to laugh, to not rush, to savor the moments as they come. Additionally, in those times when I feel overwhelmed or question why I am here, I remind myself of all the blessings God has given me in this season.

I am excited about my stretching season. I am not sure how long I will be here, but I plan to learn all that I can and grow in manner that is pleasing to God. I am thankful that in my moments of disparity and confusion that I have a God who is always right there.