“Times and Seasons Apply!”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Life is filled with phases, each with a beginning and an end. God gives you assignments for a time; when that time is over, He moves you to something new. Eventually, life will end, and you will give an account of your journey. Paul demonstrated this in Acts 14:26-27, “From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed. Now, when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Each phase had a clear beginning, a purpose, and a conclusion.
You may notice that what you once did regularly is no longer happening. For instance, as a pastor and a teacher, there was a time I thought certain activities would continue indefinitely, like conducting seminars each semester as new university students arrived. However, after conducting one set of seminars in 2018/19, that season ended. It’s a reminder that “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). God’s direction is essential, as He may change the course or shift the focus.
New season, new tasks and methods.
It can be tempting to think you will always return to something familiar, but you might not. The Holy Spirit continually directs us towards something new. Isaiah 43:18-19 tells us, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?” God often moves us from one task to another, and our past methods may not apply to the new season.
When assigned a task, ensure you complete it with diligence. There may be various jobs or responsibilities, like interceding for a nation, carrying out outreach in a certain area, or managing a workplace project. All these tasks are given for a season, and each has its time. For example, God may send you to work in a particular company for a time. While you’re there, fulfill the tasks He has given you because that season may not last forever. In Colossians 3:23, we are reminded, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not unto men.”
Times and Phases
God’s plan for your life can include both training phases and deployment phases. The training phase is for preparation, learning, and growth, while deployment involves fulfilling your assignment. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). This verse shows that even Jesus went through a growth phase before stepping into His ministry.
During training, you may have smaller tasks or follow someone who has already been deployed. Be a diligent student during this time. Proverbs 1:5 says, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” Your attitude in the training phase will affect your effectiveness when you are later called to lead or teach. “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Be meticulous in your training because you may find yourself teaching the same lessons one day.
At different times, other tasks may arise. For instance, raising children is a significant assignment for many women, and it’s not to be taken lightly. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). During that phase, God will still give you strength and grace to carry out other responsibilities, but parenting will be a major focus.
Remember to prioritize God’s main purpose for your life even when you take on multiple responsibilities. Paul often worked to support himself while ministering. Acts 18:3 records, “So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.” Although he took on work to meet his needs, Paul did not lose sight of his calling to preach the gospel.
Remember the Primary Assignment
When God gives you work to do, complete it faithfully and do not get distracted. Some people get so immersed in their secondary activities that they forget their primary calling. Matthew 6:33 serves as a reminder: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” You must remember why you were sent in the first place.
Life comprises phases—times of training and times of deployment. Recognize the season you are in, be diligent, and give your best. Ultimately, you will give an account to God for your work. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Complete each task knowing that you are accountable to the One who sent you, and as Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Remember: times and seasons apply!
