difficult seasons

While we are in seasons of difficulty, it always seems there is no way out. Usually, in these times, it’s easier to give up, to stay put, to throw in the towel. However, when we enter these moments, it is time to move forward and not go backward. It seems easier to go back to the things that bring us comfort. To go back to old habits and additions. Don't let that temptation cause you to miss what's on the other side of this season. We must cross over into something extraordinary, not go back to something mediocre.

How can we cross over? How do we overcome seasons of difficulty?

In Joshua chapter 1, we find the Children of Israel in a "crossing over" moment. Only their moment was a literal cross over. They were about to cross over the Jordan to continue into the Promised Land. The unfortunate part is that they had lost their leader, Moses. Moses was dead, and God was calling Joshua. I cannot even imagine how Joshua must have felt, let alone the whole community. How were they supposed to move forward after such a significant loss?

Well, first off, let's state the obvious, they couldn't stay where they were. If the Children of Israel wanted to make it to the promised land, they had to move. The Lord was calling them to MOVE.

If we want to get through a difficult season, we can't just sit. I know that sounds tempting. Some like to sit in our emotions. We like to feel bad for ourselves. We want to throw a pity party for one. But what if God is calling us to more? What if He gave us these emotions, but for hindrance but for movement? I am not trying to downplay your season; I encourage you not to sit in it, but to move to the promised land. To go where God is calling you.

Here's the thing they had to move! They had to keep going. But they could not do it alone. They needed each other.

There is power in unity. In our own individual lives, we need people. If you're anything like me, we would rather face battles alone for the sake of our own pride. But God has gracefully taught me over the years that if I am going to overcome any significant battles in my life, I need people. I want to cross over from season to season, but I can't do it alone.

We need unity. We need to walk this walk with other believers. The unfortunate thing that I am seeing is how divided the church has become. We so often let little things cause great division. We let little grudges, disagreements, moments of offense cause separation in the body.

The Children of Israel could not go alone. They needed to be in unity if they wanted to move forward. We also need each other as we move forward into the next season. How do we overcome difficult seasons in our lives? We overcome them by continuing to move and moving together.