Seasons of Life

In 1965, the musical group, The Byrds, used lyrics 2,000 years old to create their hit song, “Turn, Turn, Turn.”  The lyrics, almost verbatim, are the words that wise King Solomon wrote in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes.  

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

As the Earth continuously rotates on its axis, tilting towards or away from the sun, every region of our country experiences the changing of the seasons. In Arizona, our sole indication of this transformation is the changing colors of the car license plates arriving here, their owners escaping the cold winter up north!

We Christ followers also experience the changing of seasons in our lives, and those changes can greatly influence how we serve the Lord. What was an exciting and new challenge a decade ago may no longer evoke the same adrenaline.  

Please note: I’m not talking about losing our desire to reach lost souls for Christ but the sensation of “seasoning out” of a particular calling or ministry due to emotional, spiritual, or physical reasons. 

Neither ministry nor leadership should be a burden, but it can be very draining! It is not unusual for God’s servants to over-commit their spiritual, physical, and emotional energies! In addition, the passing years do bring changes in strength, endurance, and motivation. As these situations arise, and only after prayerful deliberation, it may become necessary to make a temporary or permanent change in how or where you serve the Lord. 

 Is A Change Needed?

• Does your present ministry now feel like a chore? 

• Are you no longer able to “give it your all?”

• Is it time to take a break so you can be refreshed? 

• Do you feel relief when you give yourself permission to consider serving in some other way?

• Is your physical, spiritual, or emotional health requiring a change? Or, a charge!

• Is ministry taking a toll on your life? Your health? Your marriage? Your children?

Jesus’ Example

My husband and I have been involved as ministry leaders in five states, in multiple capacities, and with varied responsibilities. Over the past decade, we logged thousands of miles serving in a ministry we love.  A while back, however, we sensed a change was needed. We were tired, both physically and emotionally, largely, from the demands of our ministry.

Even Jesus suffered physical and emotional fatigue from ministry. We see his humanity throughout the Gospels as He often, wisely, stepped aside from intense days of teaching, crowds, and travel.  Jesus knew his limits and when it was necessary to rest, pray, and recharge. 

Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. (John 4:6, NIV)

Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. (Matthew 8:24, NIV)

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16, NIV)

He said to them, Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.  (Mark 6:31b, NIV)

Feeling of Failure

I admit it.  Making those transitions to accommodate changing needs can feel like failure. 

What will people think?  

I’ve invested so much here!

Who will take my place?  

Rest easy! If God is moving you, you are replaceable!  God‘s mission is vastly larger than any individual. Stepping away from your current ministry for a short time of rest and prayer maybe all you need to recharge.

Next Man Up

Maybe you are in a new season but a different kind of season. Life has freed you to step into one of the open doors of ministry and service to the Lord.

The “Next Man Up” philosophy has become popular in sports, business, and the military. The term indicates adaptability and a commitment to the ultimate goal, in this case, bringing people to Christ.  If you are ready, whether or not you are currently actively involved, you may be God’s solution to keeping the Gospel moving forward.  Perhaps you are God’s Next Man (or Woman) Up!  

• Do you have a gift you are not using?

• Has a change in relationships or commitments made you available for what God might have you do?

• Could you now commit to teach (or attend) that Bible Study?

• Would you commit to walk alongside a young Christian and share your journey of faith?

• Maybe you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at you to get involved in a specific ministry. 

• Could you now volunteer for some program at your church? Visit a shut-in? Be a greeter at the church door on Sundays?  

  
  

Age Is No Barrier to Service 

Jesus said, 

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest (Matthew 9:38, NIV)

Our new season of life demanded a change, but it was not permission to stop serving the Lord. Workers are still needed. Those of us who have walked with Christ for some time must stay available to share both our wisdom and life testimonies of God’s faithfulness. 

My husband and I are committed to serving the Lord for as long as possible and in whatever capacity He would lead.  We stay active in His service but now in different ministries than before. He, in a prayer team ministry in our local church, and I, as a substitute teach in a Women’s Bible Study in our city.

We’ve found purpose in every season we’ve experienced, and will adapt to each new one as it unfolds from God’s hand. He orchestrates our seasons to bring glory to Himself and for our ultimate good.

I know this: no matter what season of life you or I are in right now, it’s probably temporary!

King Solomon declared it!

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Waldene Drake, RN, MBA, lives in AZ. She enjoys reading, crocheting and summer travels to baseball parks. She served for 15 years as Vice President of Risk Management for the Cooperative of American Physicians, a professional liability company covering 12,000 California physicians. She taught numerous physician Risk Management seminars and was an invited speaker at dozens of physician association and hospital medical staff educational meetings. She created and developed the Risk Management Institute, an online educational program for medical office staff. Waldene authored numerous Risk Management articles for both her company and for national publications.

Waldene’s husband, Tom, served as an Executive Pastor for 20+ years, supporting the Lead Pastor in preaching duties, ministry projects, church Christian Education, and Christian School administration. During those years, Waldene served in multiple capacities supporting her husband and their church’s ministries.

Upon retirement, Waldene and her husband worked with the Calling for Christ ministry to professional baseball umpires. Over 10 summers, they met with the young men to support the believers in their faith and share the love of God with all the men with whom they visited. Through this ministry, Tom and Waldene were rewarded to see dozens of young umpires come to Christ, be baptized, and experience spiritual growth as they progress in their career.

Waldene is active in a local, weekly Women’s Bible Study group which she also periodically teaches.