Rated G
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”- Ecclesiastes 3:1
One of the things I love to see is when people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences can enjoy something together. It is great to be able to enjoy a well written, wholesome, and wildly entertaining movie for the entire family. Being a father with three small boys back in the day, I was beyond thankful for the “Family Style” restaurant that was child friendly in menu items, cost, and noise level. Even in the church the best type of events are the ones that provide faith, fellowship, and fun for all ages. Even Jesus spoke of the need for us all to be a child at heart, in Matthew 18:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
And one of the things I have most enjoyed about pastoring at Shepherd’s House is seeing a church that is multigenerational. I get to watch and walk with amazing people doing faith and life together. Our older generation is actively involved in participating and serving, our younger families are amazingly committed to Jesus, and our kids classrooms are filled each Sunday with boys and girls engaging and enjoying their faith. We have a new generation of faithful followers and world changers!
When it comes to our faith being encouraged and strengthened, it is essential that what is spoken and done builds up the entire body. Paul communicates this as it relates to spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Last week was one of those moments, where the Holy Spirit gave me a message for a specific individual, that He continued to use for multiple others over the past several days. It is a “word” I want to share with you:
Your Last season was not WASTED…
Your Current season is not FOREVER…
Your Next season will be GOOD.
“Your Last season was not WASTED.” We can put a ton of time, energy, and prayers into our relationships, education, jobs, and finances, only to be dismayed by how little things seem to be changing or moving in a positive direction. Despite what seems wasted, God was watching over us, providing grace, and ultimately shaping areas in us (such as patience, peace, trust, and gratitude). 1 Peter 5:10 says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
“Your Current season is not FOREVER.” If the last several months have been grueling, God wants you to be encouraged to not lose heart. You may be feeling stuck, trapped, unable to make a decision, wandering aimlessly through a mundane twenty-four-hour cycle of bad news. Begin to believe that the Lord has better days ahead and that your labor to endure will begin to yield fruit! Galatians 6:9 declares, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
“Your Next season will be GOOD.” This final phrase is what has me celebrating loud, seeing more, and standing strong. As we are just weeks away from Easter there is much to hope in and hope for! If it weren’t for God’s promise, trust me, I wouldn’t be so emphatic in my expectation. I have no way of knowing how many visitors we will have on Easter? How many people will make a decision to follow Jesus? And what our switch to two Sunday services (April 21- 9 and 10:45 am) will exactly look like? But what I do know is that God will lead us, guide us, and bring us to a place of blessing as we remain faithful to Him. I don’t know every twist and turn along the way, but I know that it will turn out good! Let’s be reminded and comforted by the word spoken from the Living Word in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “In the time of My favor I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, and now is the day of salvation.”
May this Easter season and our next season be marked by new life, abundant provision, increased joy, and resounding victory!