Understanding Seasons

What season are you in, and how might God be using it to grow, test, and prepare you for greater fruitfulness?

Speaker: Pastor Lee Cummings
Date: March 22, 2026

God doesn’t put you through tests to destroy you—He uses them to reveal the character within you. In different seasons, it’s easy to feel alone, but it’s often in those quiet, intimate moments that God reveals more of who He is than we’d ever know otherwise.

Here's a 5-day devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: Recognizing Divine Seasons

Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1–8

Devotional: Just as creation moves through natural seasons, your spiritual life unfolds in seasons ordained by God. Each one serves a purpose, preparing you for what’s ahead. Winter’s dormancy kills what would destroy the next harvest; likewise, difficult seasons remove attitudes and dependencies that hinder future fruitfulness. The key is discernment—knowing your season shapes your response. Are you planting, being tested, or harvesting? God hasn’t abandoned you; He’s positioning you. Today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your season and how to respond in faith and obedience.

Day 2: The Wilderness Prepares You for Promotion

Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1–5

Devotional: God could have led Israel straight into the Promised Land, but He chose the wilderness. Why? Because the easy way isn’t the best way. The wilderness reveals what’s in your heart—not to condemn, but to expose reliance on yourself instead of God. When He provides just enough for today, He’s teaching you to depend on every word from His mouth. This season isn’t destroying you; it’s building endurance and character for what’s ahead. The giants in your future require faith that only the wilderness can form. Embrace the process—promotion is on the other side.

Day 3: Abiding for Fruitfulness

Reading: John 15:1–8

Devotional: Jesus makes it clear: apart from Him, you can do nothing of eternal value. Fruitfulness doesn’t come from striving but from abiding—remaining connected to the Vine. As you abide, His life flows through you, producing the fruit of the Spirit. Yet even fruitful branches are pruned. God removes good things to make room for greater ones. What feels like loss is preparation. He sees the harvest ahead and knows what must be cut so your life bears more fruit. Trust the Father’s pruning—He’s not diminishing you; He’s increasing your capacity.

Day 4: New Birth and Spiritual Growth

Reading: 1 Peter 2:1–3; Luke 2:40–52

Devotional: When you’re born again, everything becomes new. Like a newborn, you crave God’s Word with fresh hunger and dependence. But growth is expected. Just as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, you are called to mature. Growth requires intention—being taught, building deep roots, and walking in God’s ways. No one expects a newborn to work, but maturity requires responsibility. Spiritual growth happens through consistent time in Scripture, prayer, worship, and community. Where are you in your journey? Ask God for your next step—and take it.

Day 5: Keeping Your First Love

Reading: Revelation 2:1–7

Devotional: The church at Ephesus had truth, discernment, and endurance—but they had lost their first love. Sometimes moving forward requires going back—remembering the wonder and devotion you had when you first encountered Jesus. Your spiritual authority flows from that love. As life gets busy, it’s easy to serve God without loving Him deeply. Today, return to the beginning. What once stirred your heart for Him? Go back to those places—not out of duty, but from renewed love. Fresh oil comes from fresh encounters with the One who first loved you. Let today be a day of remembrance and renewal.