I saw a movie few days ago. It was about a man and his family who took a break from God and His service because of life’s challenges and trials. He never knew that God had already packaged his breakthrough on the mission field for God. He missed the breakthrough. He missed his opportunity. He never understood God’s purpose for difficult seasons.
Friend, difficult seasons are to achieve specific purposes in our lives, and until we become aware of such purpose, we would end up missing God’s ultimate blessings. Apostle James had this to say about difficult seasons; “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience” (James 1:2-3).
From the above scripture, we can identify a number of things concerning difficult seasons. The first is perspective. James told us to count it all joy. It means that we need to see it as an opportunity for joy and not sadness. I have always said that our problem is not always our problem, our perspective is. What you see about your challenges will greatly impact the outcome (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
We can also learn from that scripture that difficult seasons is not a question of IF, it’s a question of, WHEN. This means that difficult seasons will come to most, if not, all of us, but the time (when) is what we don’t know. God also shed light on this when he said in Isaiah that, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you” (Isaiah 43:2).
Difficult seasons often come to test OUR KNOWLEDGE AND CONVICTION. The truth is, there is a difference between head knowledge and experiential knowledge. You know that God saves and heals. But how would you validate that if you never found yourself in situations that made you saw the salvation and healing power of God? I know you have been taught that God is the Great Provider. Well, that might just be a head knowledge until you are in a difficult financial season where you saw God come through for you as Provider.
As you go into today, I encourage you to take another look at whatever difficult season you might be passing through right now. I want you to see the purpose of God in it beyond the problem. I want you to see what God is working in and through it rather than what you think the devil is doing. I want you to rejoice over it knowing fully well that, “…all things work together for your good because you love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). You will testify! Amen!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria