Seasons.

For me that word has many values and definitions. I am watching our church go through a season of change. In this change there are losses. We lost the building but we feel it was God. Some of suggested the scriptures where God took them in for protection, while He dealt with our enemies.In the process there has been a shaking, and a removal of a lot of junk. There also was people who didn't make it. There are losses.

Losses. Some encouragement comes in the cutting of them, but how about the ones that mean the most to you. In a few weeks, I watch a friend of mine moving on. I can second judge things, but the most important thing is that he feel blessed as he leaves. We are to bless them going out. Churches are not in place to control or dominate lives but to cause the gifts they have to rise to the top and be polished. Certainly there is wisdom used and seasons where our gifts are perhaps being refined from the inside. Perhaps there is a season of stepping down that is necessary for our growth.

It is interesting to note that there was a place in my life where I desired to play drums in worship. But somewhere in there it became a heady experience and not a heart experience...and wouldn't you know it God steps in. And the drum sticks were laid down for a season. I was angry at first, but then God began to shape me, mold me (ouch!) with His hand. And then one day He said "pick up the sticks", and I didn't want to. I was afraid. Now playing drums is for the Lord and His pleasure only. If others enjoy it, bless God. But the season was there.

Too frequently we think when God is asking us to step down, He is saying "NO!" forever. Perhaps it is forever, but as we go through the shaping period, God is mightily changing our hearts to where, if we never do something again, it is too soon!

And for myself and others there are things God is asking us to give up. A few weeks ago it was coffee(one of the few "legal drugs" available to Christians!), and it has been a blessing(now I sleep 3 or 4 hours!!!). But for some of us it may be something greater. It may be a position in your church or work. It might be a hobby or a weekly meeting. Why? Because God needs to finetune us. And let's face the truth when He asks us to go should we not be prepared and ready?!?!