We Weren’t Created to “Just Survive” the Tough Seasons

What does God have to teach you in the season you’re in? 

 

Maybe you’re in a difficult season of life. 

 

Maybe you’re sick.  Maybe you’ve just lost a family member.  Maybe you’re unhappy at your job, or maybe you’ve been job-hunting for what feels like forever.  Maybe you’re going through a divorce or a breakup.  Maybe you’ve experienced hardships related to COVID-19.  Maybe you’re going through all of the above. 

 

I think it’s safe to say most of us are eager to “get through” the harder seasons of life.

 

But what if we didn’t just “get through” those seasons?  What if we thrived in the challenging—and even painful—seasons?  What if we grew deeper in communion with the Lord in those seasons of life so that He might grow us?

 

No matter what we’re going through, the Bible tells us to follow this simple command:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice!” -Philippians 4:4

 

Be obedient. 

 

Seek the Lord, and rejoice in Him always, for He is good.

 

You can learn profound things in the difficult seasons.  We weren’t created to just survive.  

 

We were created to be lights in a world that is dim. 

We were created to stand apart. 

We were created to be dependent on the Lord for all our needs, all our joy, and all our hope.  

 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

I’ve found in my own most difficult seasons of life where I sought the Lord—pressed into Him deeper and intentionally rejoiced in Him—were the seasons of life that grew me most and changed me for the better. 

 

Don’t just get through this hard season and look forward to the next. 

 

Live in this season.  Feel what you feel.  Rejoice in the Lord always, and feel free to wrestle with God as you process the struggles and hardships.  

 

My old church in Austin has a saying about the dangers of suppression:

“Don’t suppress [your emotions, frustrations, trauma, etc].  If you suppress, it may not come out the way you think it will, but it will come out sideways [in other ways].”

 

So sit with the Lord.  Really process your feelings, struggles, emotions, memories, and arguments.  Ask the Lord where he wants you to heal and how he wants you to heal.  

 

For me, in a recent past season, the Lord told me to go through the Celebrate Recovery program at my church.  (Believe me, I would have never picked this for myself, and I did wrestle with God about this.  But He kept saying, “recovery”.  So I went.)  Then, he told me to do trauma counseling next; so I went through EMDR.  Then on the Race, He told me to ask for healing for my mind; my teammates placed hands on me, and my mind was healed. 

 

I encourage you to sit with Jesus in the difficult seasons and be open to what He tells you. 

 

He might tell you to revisit painful childhood memories with him.  He might ask you to go to counseling.  He will ask you to forgive; he will also ask you to ask forgiveness of others.

 

Why?  Because Jesus has called us to live in freedom, no matter the season or trial.

 

You can do it, friend.  Be encouraged, and rejoice in Jesus! 

 

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” -Isaiah 41:13

 

Jesus loves you, and He cares deeply for you.  He is always with you.

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