God doesn’t waste previous seasons. In other words, God doesn’t waste your prior experiences and neither should we. When life brings different yet similar challenges, what is our response? Are we quick to respond in frustration, withdrawal or stress? I was reflecting on how God doesn’t take us through something to learn the same exact lesson every time. We should be maturing and learning something new. We should learn from our past, apply the Word and respond differently. Of recent, I found myself pumping the breaks and asking,” Esther. What did you learn from your last season that you could apply here! God, how do you want me to respond?”

I am still listening but so far I know His response was operate in love and grace! Sounds general right? But no! It is extremely hard when applied. But somehow there’s a joy in fighting to apply His truth! YES. In the midst of craziness I found joy! I was/am joyful that I heard to first of all pause! I was slowing down to hear from God! That meant my heart was more willing to submit to God. That’s a testimony in itself! Then the Holy Spirit was leading me to seek what is the right way to respond! Another evidence of the Holy Spirit at work. (Rejoice in His work in your ❤️ ) This reminded me of this scripture:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:2‭-‬6 NASB1995

Find joy in maturing in character! Let endurance have it’s perfect result! We want to run out of seasons without being made complete because it doesn’t feel good! But, I pray that we choose maturing over our emotions. I pray we choose to pause and let God have His way. And when we do not know how to respond, may we ask God for wisdom knowing God will answer. May we choose to find joy instead of temporary happiness that yields no growth!

The dying of self is just part of the walk of faith with Christ. God’s not always trying to change the situation. He gives us the tools we need to walk through those seasons. Let’s walk it out in faith depending on Him, shall we?

I hope you find these words uplifting.

More to come so share, comment and subscribe as I challenge my shy ways… Now let’s gist!