In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we read that "for everything, there is a time and a season for every activity under heaven." These words may sound poetic, but they contain profound truth about how God works in our lives. As we transition from summer to fall in the natural world, it's a perfect time to consider the spiritual seasons God has ordained for our growth and transformation.

God has established rhythms in life—seasons that come and go with purpose. Not every season is for everything, but each season has its specific focus and calling. When we recognize what season we're in, we can respond appropriately to what God is doing.
In the natural world, these seasons are clear:

• Spring is for planting seeds and fresh starts
• Summer is for protecting what's growing and being proactive
• Fall is for harvesting what we've cultivated
• Winter appears dormant but strengthens root systems

These natural seasons mirror our spiritual journey. You might be in one season relationally while experiencing a different season financially or in your career. The key is recognizing what God is doing in each area of your life and responding appropriately.

In Song of Solomon 4:16, we read: "Awake north wind and come south wind, blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere, that my beloved come into his garden and taste of its choice fruits."

Gardens in Scripture symbolize our lives. As we enter a new natural season, God wants us to experience a fresh new season in the spirit. He wants to do something new in us—but this requires more than maintaining the status quo. We must actively respond to what God is doing.

The book of Haggai provides powerful insight into misplaced priorities. Written in 520 BC after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile, it addresses a critical issue: the people focused solely on rebuilding their own homes and businesses while neglecting God's temple.

Haggai 1:5-7 challenges us: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough. You drink, but you never have your fill. You put on clothes but are not warm. You earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

This passage speaks to investing without results. The people were busy, but not productive in what truly mattered. The question for us is clear: Are we investing in what matters most in God's priorities and in things eternal?

In the Bible, seasons declare a time of change—not just external change for the sake of change, but internal transformation that makes us more like Christ. This is the change that happens from the inside out, affecting how we love people, support God's work, and worship.

Romans 12:2 instructs us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

The Greek word for "transformed" is "metamorpho," from which we get "metamorphosis"—like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. It means a complete change from the inside out.

Genesis 28:10-16 tells the story of Jacob's ladder—a pivotal moment in his journey. Jacob, who had conned his brother out of his birthright, was on the run when he had a divine encounter. In a dream, he saw a stairway to heaven with angels ascending and descending, and God stood above it, promising blessing.

When Jacob awoke, he said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." This marks the beginning of his transformation.

Later, in Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with God (or an angel) and receives a new name—Israel—signifying a new identity. He went from being a con man on the run to becoming a prince with the power of God flowing through him.

This transformation illustrates what God wants to do in each of us—change us from who we've been to who He's created us to be. We're not meant to carry burdens that deplete us or to be defined by our past mistakes. God is doing a new thing in us.

The book "Critical Journey" describes "the Wall" as a crucial part of spiritual transformation: "Our wrestling with the wall plays a vital role in the process of our spiritual healing. The wall represents our will meeting God's will face to face."

This is where transformation happens—when we surrender our plans to God's better plans. It's not about asking God to bless our agenda, but about fully entering into His calling for our lives.

Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs us "to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Philippians 1:9-11 speaks of discerning what is best: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."

Discernment means putting things to the test, examining options, and making right choices based on biblical thinking. A.W. Tozer said, "Among the gifts of the Spirit, scarcely one is of greater practical usefulness than the gift of discernment."

1 Chronicles 12:32 describes "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." These were people with God-given understanding who could distinguish and deal wisely with the challenges of their day.

As we enter this new season, God is calling us to live with intentionality and discernment. Here are some questions to reflect on this week:

• What season am I currently in spiritually, relationally, and professionally?
• Where have I been investing my time, energy, and resources? Do these investments align with God's priorities?
• What old patterns or mindsets do I need to "put off" to embrace the new thing God wants to do in me?
• What decisions am I facing that require God's discernment rather than my own reasoning?

This week, I challenge you to take one specific area where you've been operating in your own strength or according to old patterns, and intentionally surrender it to God. Ask Him to transform you from the inside out and to give you discernment about His priorities for this season of your life.

Remember, transformation isn't just about changing circumstances—it's about becoming who God created you to be so that others can be blessed through you. As you align with God's seasons and priorities, you'll discover the joy of harvesting what He has planted in your life.