For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck up that which is planted; Ecclesiastes 3:1 WEB.
Springtime is so beautiful when the flowers and trees begin blooming, then come summer and fall. The leaves start to turn brown. Eventually, winter comes, and things begin to die. The weather is no longer pleasant and inviting. Still, all the seasons are necessary for life's circle. Everything prospers in its season. In nature, the cycle happens naturally, but it is often much easier to start something in our lives than to end it.
My wife Sylvia and I once led an intercessory prayer team at church. It was great for quite a while. The Holy Spirit was really there. However, as time passed, we began to feel that the Lord wanted us to stop, rest, and go in another direction.
We had been taught that quitting something just shows that you are weak or lazy. We shook off the feeling to stop as if it was from the devil and tried to continue on as any committed Christian would.
Eventually, our restlessness became much worse, and we felt we knew what we should do, but wanted confirmation. So we asked for prayer from the church leadership, but we did not want them influenced by their natural senses. We had learned that leadership often encourages you when stepping up, but it is rare when they support you stepping down.
It is hard for them to hear God objectively when "Who will take their place?" is flashing in their head like a neon sign. This is not an easy thing. You may get an answer that is good for the church's needs but may not be God's will for you.
So we prayed about it some more and then wrote the question: "Should we leave the intercessory prayer group?" on a piece of paper, folded it up, and brought that with us. Then we had the elders join together and pray over the paper with us, without telling them the question written inside it. One elder, who heard from the Lord regularly in prayer, heard: "Yes." All the rest agreed, "Yes."
When they opened the paper and saw what was written, they were shocked, but we were free. One elder told us that he would have never thought that was God's will for us had he known the question.
There are seasons in your life, and what was once the Lord's will for you may not always be. Seasons change. Be open-minded about what the Lord whispers to you during your prayer time, and rule nothing out. Sometimes you have to say no to the good, so you can say yes to the great.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please speak to me clearly and in a way that I understand about the things in my life that I need to change. I realize that none of us can do everything. Please help me focus my time and energy on what matters to You the most, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: For those participating in the Creation Photography weekly themes, here is this week's challenge from group leader, Dianna Wyles: Psalm 46:1-2 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." ~ 'Naturally Nature' will be our next fun theme and is open wide for creative interpretation. We encourage you to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week reflect some of my old favorite shots since I haven't had a chance to take many photos lately because of the fires. Have a blessed and wonderful week, y'all and let us not forget where our refuge and strength come from. God bless! Here is the link: Creation Photographers
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Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen. My Faith and Trust is in the Lord. Amen
Give me strength in jesus name amen
Amen!!
It's so amazing to see God's plan in action! Lord, help me to listen and obey!
Thank you Jesus for all our blessings.Guide us and we will follow.We love and worship you. Amen
AMEN
Amen thank you Father for all of the seasons,
I'm listening, Lord. Find me willing and obedient. Please help me focus my time and energy on what matters to You the most, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
What an AWESOME devotion!!!! couldn't be more timely! Thank you, Pastor :D
Heavenly Father I thank Your loving care and I need to hear Your voice clearly that I can understand Your word of wisdom. As seasons changes I need to change too, to be attentive to Your message and to do Your will. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen. Lord lead me and hear my prayers.
Great devotional and testimony Pastor, God bless you and Sylvia.
Amen
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Please stabilize me dear God. In the name of Jesus Amen
Yes, absolutely Lord, amen
Amen.
Thank You LORD
That's God almighty, amen
Amen!
Amen
In Jesus name I ask Amen.