Notes
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15 (ESV)
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
God designed His people to walk through life together. But many of us hide what we’re truly facing. There is a difference between complaining and being honest. When we’re vulnerable with our brothers and sisters, we give them the opportunity to pray for us, support us, and use their God-given gifts.
When we stay isolated, we block the blessing of community. A scarcity mindset says, “People don’t have time,” or “My problems are too much.” But in God’s family, our first ministry is to our homes, and our second is to one another. God strengthens us through community - and He uses us to encourage others in return. Whatever season you’re in, God can grow you through it.
If we’re going to grow consistently, we have to understand these three things:
1) Life Is Seasonal
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
Nothing in this life is permanent. The good seasons will pass and be followed by times of pain and struggle. The worst seasons will pass and give way to seasons of wonder and awe if we let them. God will bless you richly in some seasons–maybe in the form of finances, but perhaps instead in children, time, health, or something else entirely. And those seasons of abundance will pass and give way to seasons of little.
Your trust determines your experience. Happiness changes with circumstances, but joy anchors you. Joy comes from the Lord, and it carries you through every season–good or bad.
2) Be Present in the Season
We often wish whole seasons of our lives away, waiting for things to be easier, better, more stable. But God frequently heals and grows us as we walk, not while we pause our lives waiting for perfection.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3 (ESV)
We are watered by the living water of Christ, but we are not all the same kind of fruit tree. Comparing our growth to someone else’s is pointless. Every tree goes through winter–low energy, no blossoms, no visible fruit. But winter prepares the tree for spring and eventually for harvest.
Church isn’t about chasing emotions or friendships; it is about partnering in the work of the Kingdom. Not everyone in any church will be easy to love, but God calls us to choose commitment over convenience.
3) Don’t Give Up Before the Harvest
Spiritual winters can be discouraging. We forget past miracles and fixate on what feels absent or broken now. But maturity comes with perseverance.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV)
Faithfulness is the bridge between planting and harvest. God is the author of seasons; He commands the sun, the moon, and the timing of your growth. Nothing you face is beyond His ability. Nothing you’ve done is beyond His forgiveness.
Your focus determines your experience. Will you lay down fear, pride, or reluctance and allow God to shape you? Will you ask Him to grow you, even if growth is uncomfortable?
Group Questions
- What kind of season of life are you currently in - abundance, struggle, transition, or winter?
- Why do you think we often hide our real struggles from one another?
- What is one way you can be more present in the season God has you in?
- How have you seen God use past winters to produce later fruit in your life?
- What would it look like for you not to give up before the harvest in your current season?
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust you in every season. Teach us to be honest, to carry one another’s burdens, and to stay rooted in your joy. Strengthen us to endure and grow so we can bear fruit that brings you glory.