AVAAT

 A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: WHEN SEASONS CHANGE

TEXT: 1 Peter 4:1-16

KEY VERSE: Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 1 Peter 4:12(MSG)

A disciple who aspires to be like his master must pay attention to the master’s words. Sometimes, Jesus spoke figuratively and, at other times, prophetically about the future. As believers, we know how the Jews received the message of the Kingdom in Jesus’ days; even now, the gospel and its godly values are under attack on all fronts, but the Church is still advancing. Jesus warned his disciples of a time of persecution and suffering that would come on the earth. He didn’t promise them exemption, but he promised them his presence and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

“I’ve told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing God a favour. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I’ve told you these things so that when the time comes, and they start in on you, you’ll be well-warned and ready for them. John 16:1-4(MSG)

“I’ve used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon, I’ll drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language. Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life I’ve revealed to you.  John 16:25

Then fix this firmly in your minds: You’re going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You’ll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.John 16:20(MSG)

Jesus prepared his disciples for the coming change in the season they would experience. He had been with them for over three years and was always available to deliver them from challenging situations, like when they couldn’t cast out the demon, the child brought by his Father or the storm at sea. He was leaving physically and knew the tide would turn against them.

I’ve told you all this so that, trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world, you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33(MSG)

Jesus calls upon us to trust Him, regardless of the season of life we find ourselves in. Midlife is a remarkably complex period, marked by various opportunities and challenges. While we may experience growth and success in our careers and businesses, our children are also growing up and becoming more independent, easing the financial and parenting pressures. However, we may also be responsible for caring for ageing parents, health issues, or even marital difficulties. Regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in, after praying and fasting, we must trust in Jesus, who has the power to still the storms and guide us through the wilderness.

When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2(TLB)

These events shake many Christians, and they lose hope in God’s ability to see them through. They run from one prayer program to another without the peace that God gives through the help of the Holy Spirit. God is the only one who has control over the seasons of life, while prayer, intercession, and spiritual warfare are necessary to overcome the attacks of the devil. Still, we must rest in God’s faithfulness and the victory of the Cross of Jesus.

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13(MSG)

God knows everyone’s limits and will never push you past them. The secret of overcoming in life is not what you do but what you believe about God. Job made three profound statements as he faced life’s storms. His belief about God’s ability and character anchored his soul.

Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life— and eventually he’ll take his stand on earth. And I’ll see him—even though I get skinned alive!— see God myself, with my very own eyes. Oh, how I long for that day! Job 19:25(MSG)

But he knows every detail of what is happening to me, and when he has examined me, he will pronounce me completely innocent—as pure as solid gold! Job 23:10(TLB)

Job answered God: “I’m convinced You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. Job 42:2(MSG)

Seasons change regularly; you can stay firm in your faith when they do, just like Habakkuk did.

Figs might not grow on the fig trees,

    and grapes might not grow on the vines.

Olives might not grow on the olive trees,

    and food might not grow in the fields.

There might not be any sheep in the pens

    or cattle in the barns.

 But I will still be glad in the Lord

    and rejoice in God, my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18(ERV)

Reflection Questions

1. What did you learn about God in today’s devotion? 

2. Share your current source of distress. 

3. Which scriptures are you holding onto for hope during this time? 

4. Ask the Lord for assistance with your needs.