Shaped In Every Season

I was recently reflecting on the change of season. As Christians, I’ve noticed this is a term we use often. I found myself going down a bit of a rabbit trail, wondering if we sometimes rely too heavily on “Christianese” in our everyday language.

I came to the conclusion that, in many ways, we do have our own language. It helps us communicate what we experience in our walk with God and the context in which we live. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing—we draw these expressions from the Word. However, I do think it’s important that we use this language appropriately, without over-spiritualising or taking it out of context.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

In conversations with other Christians, we often say things like, “I’m in this season” or “I’m in that season.” I think it’s a gift to be able to discern and recognise the season we are in.

As we enter Autumn, I became aware of a resistance in myself toward this natural change. I paused and asked myself, why am I resisting this? It led me to realise that, spiritually, we can respond in much the same way when God leads us into a new season.

Daniel 2:21 says: “He changes times and seasons…”

We resist change because, as humans, we like comfort. We grow used to the familiar. We fear the unknown—the stretching, the discomfort, and the growth that often comes with a new season.

Looking back on my life, I can see that I have walked through many different seasons.

There have been seasons of warfare—times when everything seems to come against you. In those moments, you find yourself standing firm, praying, holding onto God’s Word, seeking His face, and putting on your armour daily.

There have also been “winter” seasons—dry, stagnant periods where nothing seems to move forward. These can be incredibly frustrating.

James 1:2–4 reminds us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance so that we may be mature and complete.

And then there are fruitful seasons—times of growth, fulfilment, and favour, where things seem to flow with ease and purpose.

Psalm 1:3 speaks of being like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season.

So why are these seasons necessary?

Because each one plays a role in our maturity and growth. As Christians, we are called to become mature in Christ.

Colossians 1:28 says: “Him we proclaim… that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

As I was writing, I was reminded of the image of the potter and the clay.

Jeremiah 18:3–6 shows the potter shaping the clay. When the clay is marred, he does not discard it—he reshapes it.

Isaiah 64:8 declares: “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

God is the potter—He is active and intentional.

We are the clay—and maturity requires that we yield to Him, not resist.

Transformation takes time. Maturity is not a once-off event; it is a process.

Maturing in Christ isn’t about perfection. It’s about allowing God to shape you—even when it feels uncomfortable.

Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that discipline is not pleasant at the time, but later produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.

Whatever season you find yourself in, it’s important to remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 says: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

If you’re unsure of the season you’re in, ask the Lord. Invite Him to show you.

Let’s not resist the seasons He leads us through. Instead, let’s embrace them, trusting that He knows exactly what He is doing.