As we have come into a new season, I think about how seasons themselves are a great reminder of how the Lord works. Seasons are cycles in which specific conditions come back around that are a new experience of a familiar thing. Each time we experience spring, there are familiar bits, but it's a completely new time.
In the natural there have been hints of this everywhere. Maybe you've noticed things happening in current events, or your own life, that have you saying, "That reminds me of a past season... but different."
Biblically, we can see so many cyclical seasons. We read about the Israelites' promise coming back around after circling for decades in the wilderness. We read about cycles of peace, war, idols, and righteous rulers in the books of Judges and First and Second Kings.
We can even read about how Jesus brought a second chance in His redemption of Peter after His resurrection (John 21:15–19).
As I marveled at all of the familiar, new things the Lord was pointing out around me, I asked Him what second-chance seasons bring. He showed me the word "raise." Then the word shifted and turned to "raze," and finally it turned to "rays." (Photo via Unsplash)
Raise: New Seasons and New Leaders
Biblically, second-chance seasons come with a changing of the guard and a raising up of new leaders. For the Israelites, this meant Joshua would lead in Moses' stead. For Peter, this meant he and the other disciples would take more of an apostolic role, training up new disciples. In the natural we see this when leaders are either given new, upgraded assignments or are taken out of leadership by the Lord. Whatever the circumstance (good or bad), the gap the old leaders leave draws up new leaders to fill those roles in the work of the Body.
Sometimes this even happens on a national scale, where new leaders in nations emerge in areas they previously had not occupied. In transition times like this, it's important to first honor past leadership (like David honored Saul) and humbly thank God for the ways He works and moves through the good, in spite of the bad.
Keep your ears open as the Lord trains you up for the next stop on the journey He has for you. Remember His promises. Just like the Israelites had to remember the original words and promises given by God to Moses in the previous decades—before they entered the Promised Land—remember the "big picture" words, both corporate and individual, that the Lord has spoken over what you're involved in.
Raze: Level Ground for Rebuilding
Raze means to tear down. When I looked it up, the definition specifically added, "usually followed by 'to the ground.'"
A demolition fully clears the way for anything to be built, whereas a "remodel" has to work with existing design. Many of the things the Lord is bringing back around are old promises and old movements, BUT the Lord is giving us a clear ground to do a new thing. He's taking everything out (pruning and cleansing) and working with us in the learning process of building from the ground up.
Rays: Dreaming Multigenerationally with the Lord
There's a term used in geometry called a "ray" that indicates a starting point that continues in a given direction forever. Right now the Lord is giving us starting points for co-laboring with Him, but we have to be eternally minded, knowing His direction stretches on forever. Some of the beginnings from this season will be things we won't live to see the end of. We have to dream multigenerationally with the Lord. (Photo via Free SVG)
Uprooting Bitterness and Establishing Roots of Hope
Finally, second chances bring to mind forgiveness. In his second chance, Peter had to be forgiven but also needed to forgive himself in order for his second chance to become the launch it was intended to be.
The Lord is uprooting bitterness this spring. Bitterness isn't just unforgiveness. Bitterness is caused by serial disappointments that have led to low hopes. The whole group of Israelites had experienced plenty of disappointments and delays, but Joshua and Caleb had healed hearts of hope which allowed them to take hold of that second chance on behalf of their whole people group.
Low hope works against rebuilding. We have to encounter the Lord in the places we need forgiveness, the places we need to forgive ourselves, and the places we need to be healed from disappointment. Let hope arise again! It's a spring of second chances.
This spring, let's be asking the Lord these questions:
• What promises and words are still lingering?
• What opportunities are coming back around?
• What is Your multigenerational vision for the things You have me doing in this season in my life?
• Where do I need Your healing touch of forgiveness or hope?
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Sara Whitten
Arrows of Zion
Email:Â sara@arrowsofzion.com
Website:Â www.arrowsofzion.com
Sara Whitten is an author, speaker, and founder of Arrows of Zion Ministries which has been offering resources to equip to the body of believers since 2017. This ministry focuses on creating space to regularly encounter God's voice and live lives that are fertile soil for the kingdom of God. Her writings are featured in many publications, including the Elijah List and Charisma. She also hosts "Hear God Every Day," a podcast with tools to help amplify the voice of God amidst the noise of everyday life. She and her husband currently reside in Kerrville, Texas with their three children.
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