Fruitful in All Seasons

 
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
"For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven."

          
One of the benefits of living in Missouri is having four very distinct and different seasons, each season having its own beauty.Our temperature can range from 0 to 100 throughout the year, and we experience extremes in vegetation and precipitation.
        
Ministry is very similar. There are different seasons in ministry where different things are taking place and different purposes are being accomplished by God. It works well when we can recognize which season our ministry is in, so that we can cooperate with God accordingly.
 
Imagine trying to reap a harvest in spring or sow a crop in winter. Each season has a distinct purpose in agriculture as well as in ministry. Winter brings internal growth,not visible on the outside. Spring is for sowing, summer is for growth and fall brings harvest and change.Learning to embrace where you are in ministry helps you survive in the long haul.
 
After 26 years of pastoring I have recognized that there were many different seasons and each had its purpose. There seemed to be extended times of sowing and cultivating with very little harvest. There were also times of harvest that seemed from the outside to happen by themselves. Early on I tried to keep everything the same and do things the same way all of the time. But I learned to find the emphasis for that season and throw myself into it.
 
Working against what God was doing at the time caused me to wear myself out. The first step in effective ministry is to look for the grace of God and follow it. God's timing and efforts are always fruitful. Is it a time of discipleship and maturing? Is the harvest ripe? Learn to read the signs in your church that reveal the season.
       
The truth is that all of the different times were necessary to be healthy and balanced. Resisting the season you are in brings frustration while embracing where you are brings fruitfulness and peace. What season are you in? Embrace it and enjoy it.

Pastor Terry Roberts