Seasons of Faith
Dear Bethany and St. Andrew's UM Church Families,
Have you ever noticed how our faith journey seems to follow seasons, much like the natural world around us? As I was walking through the park last week, I could see changes coming in the trees and the flowers, and I was struck by how our spiritual lives follow similar patterns of change and growth.
In my own journey, I've experienced what I might call "spring faith" – those times when everything feels new and exciting. Maybe you've felt this too – when a scripture suddenly speaks to you in a fresh way, or when you feel God's presence with remarkable clarity. These moments energize us, much like those first warm days after a long winter.
But we also experience "summer faith" – seasons when our connection with God feels natural and fruitful. Our prayers flow easily, our service feels meaningful, and we move through our spiritual practices with a comfortable rhythm. How blessed we are when we recognize these summer seasons and savor them!
Then autumn arrives. Just as trees shed their leaves, our faith sometimes enters seasons of questioning and letting go. Perhaps a prayer goes unanswered, or suffering touches us or someone we love. During these times, we may find ourselves sorting through beliefs, separating what's essential from what's merely comfortable. Though challenging, these autumn seasons often produce the richest spiritual growth as we develop a more textured, resilient faith.
And yes, there are winter seasons too – times when God seems distant or silent. The psalmist knew these moments well: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). If you're walking through a spiritual winter right now, please know you're not alone. Even in apparent dormancy, important work is happening beneath the surface.
What I find most comforting is that none of these seasons last forever. The same God who designed the natural world to continually renew itself is at work in our spiritual lives too. As Isaiah reminds us, "Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.” (Isaiah 43:19 CEB)
Here are some thoughts for navigating whatever season you're in:
- Recognize your current season without judgment – each has its purpose
- Find companions for the journey – join a small group, or form a new one
- Maintain simple spiritual practices that anchor you through changing seasons
- Remember that God is present in every season, though sometimes in unexpected ways
I'd love to hear about your experiences with these spiritual seasons. What season are you in right now? What has helped you navigate transitions between seasons?
As we continue our journey together, may we learn to embrace each season for what it teaches us, trusting in the God who works through all seasons to shape us into the people we're called to be.
In faith and fellowship,
Pastor Brian
Rev. Brian Lucas, Pastor | blucas@susumc.org
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