My Times for This Season
For Bible study about a week ago, our youth pastor did a lesson in Ecclesiastes 3, and had each of us answer this question: What time are you in?
While each of us only gave one example, it really set me to thinking. Which time was I in when if I took all of verses 2-8 into account? So I decided that starting this year, it would become a yearly tradition of looking within myself and praying until I know where I am in the present season. So, it took me about a week, since some of the choices were harder and required a lot of prayer, but it is finally finished.
I am in a time to be born, since I am currently living and I know lots of people who have been having children.
I am in a time to pluck up that which is planted, because as I prepare to graduate from high school, I need to try and find out where it is that God wants me to plant. I may also be uprooting from some other aspects in life, but I haven't quite gathered my thoughts on that yet, nor has God specifically revealed anything.
I am in a time to heal. I had trouble deciding where I was, between that and a time to kill, and God led me to the conclusion that I am in a healing time, a time to heal from the burden of inadequacy that I felt when my pen pal Gracie told me (but in different words) why I wasn't a good enough friend and why we were "no longer friends." I realized that God has since placed to many friendships in my life, and showed me just how much I am valued and that with His help, I can be a good friend.
I am in a time to break down, because I feel like God is working to break down my insecurities, doubts and fears, to bring to light my ultimate joy, dreams, and hopes.
I am in a time to laugh, to engage in the joy of a life in Christ, as well as the joys of youth and friendship.
I am in a time to mourn, not in a sense of a death, but a sense of loss of time that flies to quickly by while I am left feeling as though I've accomplished nothing, really, for the furthering of God's Kingdom here on earth.
I am in a time to cast away stones, because as I was confused by the exact meaning of the stones mentioned in verse 5, it mentioned how casting away stones can refer to clearing out a vineyard of stones. So in that sense, I am trying to keep my vineyard cleared of stones so that I can grow good fruit.
I am in a time to embrace, to embrace in many aspects. To embrace knowledge, experience, growth of character, and most importantly, many people in my life.
I am in a time to get (or, seek) after dreams and wisdom and guidance for my future, as well as the means of making it a possibility.
I am in a time to cast away those people and things that were not positives or necessities in my life and my spiritual journey as I get ready to transition. Especially things, as I have lately felt extremely materialistic, especially after reading The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne (which, by the way, is a fantastic book and I highly suggest it!).
I am in a time to rend, again, as I tear out that which should not be in my life and things that I do not wish to be part of.
I am in a time to speak - at least, I think so. This one has been a real stumper, and I have prayed for clarity, but it's not quite as clear as some of the others. But I think at this point in my life there's a lot I'm realizing that needs to be said, and I'm getting less afraid to say it. And I pray that, ever more all the time, the words I say will bring glory to my Father in heaven.
I am in a time to love, to love as Christ loved - even when it's hard - especially when it's hard. The "greatest of these" is love, and that's what I am trying to show to all, so they may see Christ in me, the hope of glory.
I am in a time of war. A war between worldliness and common expectations, even from fellow Christians, and godliness and heart that seeks after His will and His commands - only -for my life. And truly, we are all in a spiritual war, the war between the Father of Lights and Satan's realm of darkness. The good news is, that no matter how painful the battles of this war and the wounds that it causes, the fight has already been won by the Light. He has overcome. Amen!
After reading where I am right now, I challenge you to read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in great depth and ask the Lord to reveal where you are right now, in whatever season you are in.
While each of us only gave one example, it really set me to thinking. Which time was I in when if I took all of verses 2-8 into account? So I decided that starting this year, it would become a yearly tradition of looking within myself and praying until I know where I am in the present season. So, it took me about a week, since some of the choices were harder and required a lot of prayer, but it is finally finished.
I am in a time to be born, since I am currently living and I know lots of people who have been having children.
I am in a time to pluck up that which is planted, because as I prepare to graduate from high school, I need to try and find out where it is that God wants me to plant. I may also be uprooting from some other aspects in life, but I haven't quite gathered my thoughts on that yet, nor has God specifically revealed anything.
I am in a time to heal. I had trouble deciding where I was, between that and a time to kill, and God led me to the conclusion that I am in a healing time, a time to heal from the burden of inadequacy that I felt when my pen pal Gracie told me (but in different words) why I wasn't a good enough friend and why we were "no longer friends." I realized that God has since placed to many friendships in my life, and showed me just how much I am valued and that with His help, I can be a good friend.
I am in a time to break down, because I feel like God is working to break down my insecurities, doubts and fears, to bring to light my ultimate joy, dreams, and hopes.
I am in a time to laugh, to engage in the joy of a life in Christ, as well as the joys of youth and friendship.
I am in a time to mourn, not in a sense of a death, but a sense of loss of time that flies to quickly by while I am left feeling as though I've accomplished nothing, really, for the furthering of God's Kingdom here on earth.
I am in a time to cast away stones, because as I was confused by the exact meaning of the stones mentioned in verse 5, it mentioned how casting away stones can refer to clearing out a vineyard of stones. So in that sense, I am trying to keep my vineyard cleared of stones so that I can grow good fruit.
I am in a time to embrace, to embrace in many aspects. To embrace knowledge, experience, growth of character, and most importantly, many people in my life.
I am in a time to get (or, seek) after dreams and wisdom and guidance for my future, as well as the means of making it a possibility.
I am in a time to cast away those people and things that were not positives or necessities in my life and my spiritual journey as I get ready to transition. Especially things, as I have lately felt extremely materialistic, especially after reading The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne (which, by the way, is a fantastic book and I highly suggest it!).
I am in a time to rend, again, as I tear out that which should not be in my life and things that I do not wish to be part of.
I am in a time to speak - at least, I think so. This one has been a real stumper, and I have prayed for clarity, but it's not quite as clear as some of the others. But I think at this point in my life there's a lot I'm realizing that needs to be said, and I'm getting less afraid to say it. And I pray that, ever more all the time, the words I say will bring glory to my Father in heaven.
I am in a time to love, to love as Christ loved - even when it's hard - especially when it's hard. The "greatest of these" is love, and that's what I am trying to show to all, so they may see Christ in me, the hope of glory.
I am in a time of war. A war between worldliness and common expectations, even from fellow Christians, and godliness and heart that seeks after His will and His commands - only -for my life. And truly, we are all in a spiritual war, the war between the Father of Lights and Satan's realm of darkness. The good news is, that no matter how painful the battles of this war and the wounds that it causes, the fight has already been won by the Light. He has overcome. Amen!
After reading where I am right now, I challenge you to read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in great depth and ask the Lord to reveal where you are right now, in whatever season you are in.
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