Shifting Seasons: How to Know When God is Preparing You to Move

We all know the subtle fragrance that emerges in September, those graceful, gentle notes of Autumn. All around us, the temperatures are still high, the leaves green and growing, and the terrain of Summer appears to continuously be in full swing, yet we know the Fall is faithful to return. The sweltering heat of Summer awaits a bridge to a time of preparation for what is to come. In the same way, we often receive indicators that a new season of life is soon to emerge. So, how can we position ourselves to be ready for what awaits us next? 

Seasons are God’s Design

Solomon phrased it well as, 

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

These seasons show us that in every season, even amid the exhaustion and seemingly endless toil of the seasons, He is faithful to us. Just under our noses, circumstances are shifting, just beneath the surface, to bring forth the new. Just as in nature, so it is in our lives. Nature’s constant rhythm gives us a tangible representation of the movement forward that this time on earth offers, but also that God has given such a unique plan for provision. 

Feeling Within Your Spirit

It is breathed through scripture the design to become sensitive to the winds of change. Isaiah provides the imagery, 

“Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

God does not desire for us to dwell for long periods of time in the past or former things, but rather to be in tune with His Spirit in the present, with an awareness that He is actively moving in our lives and situations. If you have recently felt a stirring within that the Lord is up to something, more than likely you are correct. God delights in moving in the lives of His children to remind us of His hand in our stories. Vulnerably go before the Lord to inquire of Him if what you are feeling is from His heart for you, and how you are to respond in action or watchful anticipation for instruction or opportunity for certain muscles to be exercised. 

Making Space and Room

Before heading into a new season, there is often a call to let go of something or make room so that something new can be gained. This could manifest itself literally by letting go of possessions or making more room in the literal space of your surroundings. Often, our physical surroundings have implications on our emotions, giving us room to breathe. In the same vein, we will also find ourselves called to purge former habits. What was permissible for one season may not be beneficial in the next, but trust that if God is calling you to let go of something, it has a greater purpose. Know that often people, jobs, or even houses are for just a season, and once they have fulfilled their purpose, it is proper to release them so they may fulfill their positions in someone else’s life.  Trust Him that if He asks you to let go of something, it is not in vain. He is faithful and is worthy of our trust.

Spiritual Growth

Through the burst of a seed coming up from the ground to sprout, so is the way of emerging growth spiritually. Spiritual growth and connection with the Lord are some of the most prominent marks of venturing into a new season. For He does not desire for us to remain as babies spiritually. 

“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2

Just as infants begin on milk and grow as much as they can on milk, to then require solid food for more growth, so are we spiritually. We are not meant to remain in the place of milk and milk alone, for we were made to grow into those higher levels. If God is calling you into a new season it can feel as if you are stepping up into that higher level. With that comes a deeper understanding of Scripture, more of a relationship with the Father, and a higher communion with Him spiritually. This is a great joy, a great honor, and truly what you were called and made to do as a follower of Christ. In John Chapter 10, it speaks of how the sheep “know” the voice of the Good Shepherd as translated from the Greek word, “oida” or “to know.” This word means to recognize, to identify, but the verse goes deeper into how the Shepherd knows the sheep, or “ginosko” which also means, “to know” but in the way of richly, personally, and intimately knowing someone. As we grow spiritually, we come into the ginosko way of relationship with our Creator, which is beautifully marked as we embark onward towards the path He has Authored.

Spiritual Opposition from the Enemy

Often, you will also find that the Enemy seeks to rattle you before you step into a new season through spiritual warfare. Those attacks are insidiously targeted towards your ability, your identity, or your faith in God’s ability to progress you forward. Remember that thieves do not break into empty houses, so if the Enemy is attacking you, it is because there is something within you he wants to steal, destroy, or ruin. Don’t let the Enemy have a foothold. Remember James 4:7, 

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Do not try to outwit or out-talk the devil; rather, submit to God and resist the ploys of the Enemy. You are a beloved child of God, and we have a powerful Intercessor right there ready to come alongside us and to cover us when those attacks come about. Do not let the Enemy steal what God has for you, for it is not his for the taking at all. Pray for God’s armor (Ephesians 6) and remain steadfast that He is bigger than all the Adversary attempts to hurl at you. 

Position Yourself for Glory 

Go before the Lord and inquire of Him if He is getting you set up for a new season, and what you can do to position your heart, mind, and spirit. Trust His leading and hand, and believe that what He has planned will truly be for His glory and your benefit. Remember the truth found in 2 Corinthians 3:18,

 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

He is bringing you from glory to glory in His time, so rest knowing that you are passing from one glory into the next, with His leading in every step.