Navigating Life's Seasons: Growth Through Faith and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of seasons in our lives, drawing parallels between the natural seasons and the various phases we experience in our spiritual journey. We began by reflecting on the joy and community spirit of our recent Mission Birdsboro event, emphasizing the importance of being close to our community and giving back. This led us into a discussion about the different seasons we encounter in life, such as seasons in marriage, health, jobs, and even our spiritual walk.
We delved into the story of Saul from Acts 9, examining the different seasons he went through after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Saul's journey illustrates that just as there are seasons in nature, there are seasons in our spiritual lives. We discussed how Saul experienced a season of not knowing God, a season of new faith, a season of personal growth, and seasons of storms and droughts. Each of these seasons had its own challenges and lessons, but they all contributed to Saul's growth and preparation for his ministry.
We also touched on the importance of community and support during difficult seasons. Saul had friends who helped him escape danger and introduced him to the apostles, showing that we all need help during our storms. We emphasized the need for personal growth and deepening our faith to prepare for the inevitable storms and droughts we will face. Finally, we acknowledged that after seasons of hardship, God often brings us into seasons of peace, growth, and new assignments, encouraging us to remain faithful and obedient through all seasons.
### Key Takeaways
1. Seasons of Life and Faith: Just as there are natural seasons, our lives and spiritual journeys are marked by different seasons. These can include times of joy, growth, hardship, and renewal. Recognizing and understanding these seasons helps us navigate them with faith and resilience. [36:49]
2. Personal Growth and Strengthening Faith: Saul's three years in Arabia were crucial for his personal growth and understanding of Jesus' teachings. Similarly, we need to invest time in deepening our faith, allowing our spiritual roots to grow strong so that we can withstand future challenges. [48:03]
3. Facing Storms and Droughts: Storms and droughts are inevitable in our spiritual journey. These difficult seasons test our faith and resilience. It's essential to stay rooted in God's love, seek community support, and trust that these seasons will pass, bringing us closer to God. [52:32]
4. The Importance of Community: Saul's story highlights the importance of having a supportive community. Friends and fellow believers can provide crucial help and encouragement during tough times. We are not meant to endure storms alone; reaching out for help is vital. [01:03:22]
5. Seasons of Peace and New Assignments: After enduring storms, God often brings us into seasons of peace and growth. These times are opportunities for fruitful ministry and new assignments. Staying faithful and obedient during these seasons ensures that we continue to grow and serve God's purpose. [01:09:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:36] - Introduction and Community Reflection
[36:49] - Seasons of Life and Marriage
[38:18] - Ecclesiastes and Spiritual Seasons
[39:12] - Saul's Conversion and Early Journey
[42:00] - Season of Not Knowing God
[42:40] - Season of New Faith
[45:45] - Season of Personal Growth
[52:32] - Seasons of Storm and Drought
[56:47] - Facing Different Types of Storms
[01:03:22] - The Importance of Community Support
[01:09:12] - Seasons of Peace and Growth
[01:13:26] - Season of New Assignment
[01:17:57] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
2. Acts 9:1-31 - The story of Saul's conversion and the different seasons he went through.
3. Galatians 1:15-18 - Paul's reflection on his time in Arabia for personal growth.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the different seasons of life mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:1? How do these seasons relate to our spiritual journey? [38:18]
2. Describe the different seasons Saul experienced after his conversion in Acts 9. How did each season contribute to his growth? [39:12]
3. According to Galatians 1:15-18, how long did Saul spend in Arabia, and what was the purpose of this time? [48:03]
4. How did Saul's community support him during his difficult seasons, as described in Acts 9? [54:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What can we learn from Saul's season of not knowing God and his dramatic conversion? How does this reflect the beginning of a spiritual journey? [42:00]
2. Why is personal growth and deepening faith important before facing storms and droughts in our spiritual lives? How did Saul's time in Arabia prepare him for future challenges? [48:03]
3. How does the support of a community help us navigate through difficult seasons? Reflect on the role of Ananias and Barnabas in Saul's journey. [54:04]
4. What does it mean to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit during seasons of peace and growth? How can this help us remain faithful? [01:09:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a season of joy or growth in your life. How did you recognize God's presence during that time? How can you carry that recognition into more challenging seasons? [36:49]
2. Saul spent three years in Arabia for personal growth. What steps can you take to deepen your faith and prepare for future challenges? Consider setting aside specific times for prayer, study, or reflection. [48:03]
3. Think about a recent storm or drought in your life. How did you respond to it? What could you do differently next time to stay rooted in God's love and seek community support? [52:32]
4. Saul had friends who helped him during his difficult times. Identify someone in your life who might need support right now. How can you be a Barnabas to them this week? [54:04]
5. During seasons of peace and growth, it's easy to become complacent. What practices can you implement to ensure you continue to walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit? [01:09:12]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt called to a new assignment or ministry. How did you respond to that call? What steps can you take to be more open and obedient to new assignments from God? [01:13:26]
7. If you are currently in a season of storm or drought, what specific actions can you take to seek help and support from your community? How can you ensure you don't go through it alone? [01:03:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Seasons of Life and Faith
In our lives, just as in nature, we experience different seasons. These seasons can include times of joy, growth, hardship, and renewal. Recognizing and understanding these seasons helps us navigate them with faith and resilience. Each season has its own unique challenges and blessings, and by acknowledging them, we can better prepare ourselves spiritually and emotionally.
In Acts 9, we see Saul's journey through various spiritual seasons. He experienced a season of not knowing God, a season of new faith, a season of personal growth, and seasons of storms and droughts. Each of these seasons played a crucial role in shaping Saul's faith and preparing him for his ministry. By understanding that our spiritual journey also involves different seasons, we can approach each phase with the right mindset and trust in God's plan. [36:49]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
Reflection: What season of life and faith are you currently in? How can you embrace this season and trust in God's plan for you?
Day 2: Investing in Personal Growth and Strengthening Faith
Saul's three years in Arabia were crucial for his personal growth and understanding of Jesus' teachings. Similarly, we need to invest time in deepening our faith, allowing our spiritual roots to grow strong so that we can withstand future challenges. Personal growth in faith is not a passive process; it requires intentional effort, study, prayer, and reflection.
During this time, Saul was able to solidify his understanding of the gospel and prepare for the ministry ahead. This period of growth was essential for his effectiveness as an apostle. In our own lives, we must also prioritize our spiritual development, seeking to know God more deeply and to strengthen our faith. This preparation will equip us to face the inevitable storms and droughts that come our way. [48:03]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to invest in your personal spiritual growth? How can you deepen your understanding of God's teachings?
Day 3: Facing Storms and Droughts with Resilience
Storms and droughts are inevitable in our spiritual journey. These difficult seasons test our faith and resilience. It's essential to stay rooted in God's love, seek community support, and trust that these seasons will pass, bringing us closer to God. During these times, we may feel overwhelmed and uncertain, but it is crucial to remember that God is with us and will guide us through.
Saul faced numerous challenges and dangers after his conversion, but he remained steadfast in his faith. He relied on God's strength and the support of his community to navigate these tough times. By staying rooted in God's love and seeking help from others, we can endure our own storms and droughts, emerging stronger and more faithful. [52:32]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What current storm or drought are you facing in your life? How can you stay rooted in God's love and seek support from your community during this time?
Day 4: The Importance of Community Support
Saul's story highlights the importance of having a supportive community. Friends and fellow believers can provide crucial help and encouragement during tough times. We are not meant to endure storms alone; reaching out for help is vital. Community support can come in many forms, such as prayer, encouragement, practical assistance, and simply being present.
In Acts 9, Saul's friends helped him escape danger and introduced him to the apostles. This support was essential for his survival and growth. Similarly, we need to build and maintain strong relationships within our faith community. By supporting one another, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively and grow together in faith. [01:03:22]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support during difficult times? How can you also be a source of support for others in your faith community?
Day 5: Embracing Seasons of Peace and New Assignments
After enduring storms, God often brings us into seasons of peace and growth. These times are opportunities for fruitful ministry and new assignments. Staying faithful and obedient during these seasons ensures that we continue to grow and serve God's purpose. It is important to recognize these seasons of peace as times to recharge, reflect, and prepare for future challenges.
Saul experienced seasons of peace and growth after his initial hardships, allowing him to focus on his ministry and new assignments from God. By remaining faithful and obedient, we too can make the most of these peaceful seasons, using them to deepen our relationship with God and to serve others effectively. [01:09:12]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Are you currently in a season of peace and growth? How can you use this time to prepare for future challenges and to serve God's purpose more effectively?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We understand that in all of life there are seasons, right? It's not just seasons with regarding change of time and through the year. There are seasons in marriage. You know, a season of being newlywed. Who remembers when you were newlywed? That season of that, oh, you can never have an argument. Because you're just so happy, right? And then you have different seasons where, you know, it gets a little challenging." [36:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Every spiritual journey has different seasons that we encounter. We want to sometimes. We want to stay in one season. And then every now and then, we get in a season that we don't like. And we just are like, what are you doing, God? But there are different seasons, just like there are seasons in the world. And it's important for us to recognize that and know that as we go through our faith." [41:16] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Maybe there's somebody here today. Maybe there's somebody watching online today. And you're really oblivious to what God is doing in this world. You know of God. You might even know of religion, but you don't know him. And that's okay. We're so glad that you're here because we come through that season of not knowing God when God reveals himself to us. He reveals himself to us in so many different ways." [42:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Listen, don't ever be ashamed to share what God is doing in your life. Because listen, I don't care who says, oh, there is no God or there is no nothing. No one can argue with a testimony. And when God has done, listen, nobody could, everybody's like scratching their head. Wait, I thought Saul came here to persecute Christians. Now he's sharing it with others. That's right, because they could not deny. Saul. Saul himself could not deny what God was doing in his life." [44:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We all need help in times of storm. Every single one of us, no matter what kind of storm we go through, help is needed in the storms. We are not called to endure the storms by ourselves. Let me ask you a question. If Saul was a lone ranger and Saul had this incredible experience with God, which he did and Jesus, I don't need anybody's help. Who's lowering him? Who is going to lower him down in the basket when he's trying to escape?" [01:03:22] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But Saul increased, everybody say increased, he increased all the more in strength and as he confounded the Jews that lived in Damascus, here was a season that Saul was taking to strengthen himself. Listen, he wasn't walking with Jesus for three years like all the other 12 disciples. He didn't know everything that Jesus said. He wasn't in those circles. So he had to take time to learn and grow what it really was. He didn't know what it really actually meant to follow Jesus." [46:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We don't strengthen our faith in four weeks. We don't strengthen our faith in one year. It takes years for us to deepen our relationship with Jesus sometimes. And we need to be ready for that. So that when God brings us to the next season in our lives, we're strong. Because there are hard seasons that we go through. Am I the only one that's gone through hard seasons? And so we need to make sure that we're strengthened in that. When the hard seasons come." [48:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Maybe you're here today and you're going through a difficult season of your life. And you're questioning God. And maybe those roots are not strong. Maybe you walked away from God because you're frustrated and you're wondering, why didn't God help me? Maybe there's, maybe can I encourage you that maybe those roots never really took hold and you need to come back to your faith. And you need to let those roots grow deep in your life. Because how many know? Roots don't grow. Roots don't grow. They don't grow overnight, do they?" [51:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We all have storms. The question only is, how will we do in the storms? Did Saul go through seasons of storm or drought? Look at what Saul went through in these next couple of verses. I just want to tell you, he goes to Arabia, spends some time growing, comes back to Damascus. We pick it back up here in Acts chapter 20, I mean, verse 23. It says, When many days had passed, this is many days had passed, like three years had passed, many days had passed. The Jews plotted to kill him, and their plot became known to Saul, and they were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him." [53:20] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need help when we go through times of storm. Who are you going to go to when you go through a time of storm? This is one of the reasons why we're a church. This is one of the reasons why I believe in the body of Christ. There's many reasons. Oh, I love going to church. I get an encouraging message. We sing songs. We have some fun activities. That's great. But the real reason why we're a church is because we're a church." [01:04:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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