Awakening In a New Season
Introduction
“Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you have actually been planted.” (Author: Unknown). The purpose of this program is for the women to realize that no matter what season of life they find themselves in, the Lord is with them and wants to use them for His glory.
Decorations
Place a centerpiece on each table to represent the different seasons. This could be very simple using the following items in vases: Spring – greenery or flowers buds; Summer – flowers in full bloom; Fall – autumn leaves; Winter – a bare branch.
Program Ideas
Scripture
Start the program by showing one of these videos found on YouTube on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-_P5G21tj8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ1TpIygxvA
For a different version check this website: Turn! Turn! Turn! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKP4cfU28vM
Four Season
Biological Age
Ask the women to draw a picture of each of the seasons using a separate sheet of paper for each season. (Encourage them to participate even if they use stick figures.) After completing their drawings, ask them In which of these seasons do they identity as their biological age? For example: Spring – childhood, teens, young adult, newly married. It’s a time of new beginning, growth and learning. Summer – married, children at home, career. Life is extremely busy. You are in good health. Fall – empty test, relationship maybe change, still working, but thinking of retirement, new friends, travel. This is the start of the change leading into winter. Winter –family dynamics have changed, grandchildren, health is failing, more difficult to travel, harder to see family and friends. Ask them to identify which season was their favorite.
Spiritual Age
Ask the women to look back at their pictures and identity their spiritual age, where they think they are today. This might not be their biological age. Print and hand out conversation cards which have examples of each spiritual season. For example: Spring – new Christian, eager to read your Bible and learn about Jesus. Summer – still growing spiritually, reading your Bible, praying, devotions. and involved in ministry. Fall – able to have more involvement in ministry or is there the temptation to skip involvement because other interests. Winter – not involved in any ministry, finds lots of excuses (not age or health related). Not reading the Bible, praying, nor attending church. Claims to be a Christian, but their life doesn’t show it.
Discussion
Break the women into small groups of two or three and ask then share their pictures and responses. Where possible have a mix of a mature Christian with those who are less mature.
God In Every Season
Earlier you were asked you to write down your favorite season biologically. What did you identity as your favorite? Is any you would like to repeat any season and if so, why? (The women can respond verbally, or silently.)
Was it more difficult for you to look at the spiritual seasons? Sometimes it is good for us to realize that we are all in different season spiritually. Just as the birds, trees, and animals need the seasons for growth and sustainability, so do we. Different seasons in our lives, whether good or bad, are valuable for our spiritual learning and growth. We need to remember that even in those difficult times God’s promises are still true. In James 1:2-4, we read, ” Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” And when those trails come, as they do in every season, we need to remember that Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
In the good seasons it is easy for us to share joyful moments with others. Why when trials come are we reluctant to share them with our fellow Christians and ask for their prayer? Galatians 6:2, 3 (NLT) tells us: “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone [or ask for help], you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” Even if those trials we are facing are the result of our own sin, we are told to, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16). As you look back on those difficult times, can you see how God was using both the good and the bad for your own growth?
Whatever season of life you are in, remember God is walking beside you, teaching, comforting, and supporting you, in both the good and the bad. Our lives are never stagnant. God is always working, and we are always changing. Even now, God may be preparing you for a new season in your life. Are you open to His leading as you grow in your spiritual walk?
Closing in Prayer:
The Lord said, “I will not always take you out of the storm, but I will always take you through it.” Lord, may we always remember this promise, because you said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5b).
