A Simple Question That Made Me Pause
A friend is making a tree ornament for my car.
She asked me to choose one word:
Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter.
It seemed simple at first.
But the question made me stop and reflect.
Because seasons are never just weather patterns, they are spiritual markers. They represent what God is doing in us, through us, and sometimes despite us.
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT)
Spring — “God Restored Me”
When I think about Spring, I think about:
- New beginnings
- Resurrection life
- Budding promises
Spring reminds me of healing after trauma.
It represents fresh oil, new ministry growth, and the slow but steady return of my voice.
Spring was the season when God began restoring what felt lost.
“The LORD says, ‘I will give you back what you lost…’” (Joel 2:25, NLT)
Winter — “God Met Me in Silence”
Winter carries a different weight.
- Hidden roots
- Testing
- Deep trust
- Stillness before breakthrough
Winter represents my traumatic brain injury season, the day a 20-pound watermelon fell on my head and compressed my neck. It was the season when I heard God say clearly: “Do not move.”
Winter was wilderness intimacy.
It was quiet.
It was humbling.
It was hidden.
But it was also holy.
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NLT)
Fall — “I Trust God Enough to Release”
Fall represents:
- Harvest gathering
- Letting go
- Transition
- Preparation for what’s next
Fall was the season of wisdom, boundaries, and refinement. It was the time when I released what no longer belonged in my life.
Not in bitterness. Not in fear. But in trust.
“He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” (John 15:2, NLT)
Summer — “Now the Fruit Is Visible”
And then there is Summer.
- Harvest
- Fruitfulness
- Increase
- Labor rewarded
Summer looks like a published book. Future speaking invitations. God Reveals Ministries expanding. Financial stewardship handled with wisdom.
Summer is not frantic striving.
It is visible fruit from seeds planted in hidden seasons.
“At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)
Through Every Season
Through every season, winter, spring, fall, and now summer, God met me exactly where I was.
He did not rush the process.
He did not waste the pain.
He did not abandon me in the wilderness.
And as I reflected on the ornament question, I realized something:
I am not in winter anymore.
I have already walked through that.
I am not just budding (spring)…
I am building.
I am not simply releasing (fall)…
I have done that work.
I am in my Summer season.
Harvest.
Boldness.
Fruit showing.
Authority without fear.
Ministry expanding.
Summer says:
“What God planted in hidden seasons is now visible.”
The other seasons will come again, because life moves in rhythms.
But today, I am grateful.
Grateful for the winter that formed me.
Grateful for the spring that restored me.
Grateful for the fall that refined me.
And deeply thankful for this Summer.
Thank You, Father God, for everything You did to bring me here.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.” (Psalm 1:3, NLT)
Prayer:
Father God, in the name of Jesus,
I thank You that no matter what season we find ourselves in, You are there. You are faithful in the silence, present in the loudness, and near in the busy noise of life. You are not distant, and You are not distracted. You are Emmanuel, God with us.
Lord, for the one who feels like they are in winter, I ask You to strengthen hidden roots. Teach them to trust You in the stillness. Remind them that what is underground is not dead. You are working where they cannot see.
For the one in spring, breathe resurrection life. Let new hope rise. Let healing come gently but surely. Let promises bud in their heart again, and let their voice return with confidence in You.
For the one in summer, help them steward the harvest with humility. Teach them to gather fruit with wisdom, to walk in boldness without striving, and to give You glory for every good thing. Let their increase be holy and their influence be protected.
For the one in fall, give them courage to release what no longer belongs. Help them let go without fear. Refine them without crushing them. Prepare them for what’s next with peace, not anxiety.
Father, wherever we are, whether life feels quiet or crowded, remind us that You are waiting with open arms, ready to meet us, lead us, and love us. Draw us close. Help us listen for Your voice. Give us eyes to see You in every season and strength to obey You in every step.
We receive Your peace, Your presence, and Your purpose. We trust You with the season we are in, and we thank You that You never leave us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Leave a Reply