Embracing the Season of Winter - Part 2

Having embraced the rest and rekindled dreams during the Winter season, we are now ready to focus on the practical steps that will help us transition into the next phase. Planning and maintaining our equipment are essential as we prepare for the upcoming season of growth and productivity. Let’s delve deeper into how these steps are crucial for a fruitful future.

Planning

Once God imparted a vision, He began to unpack it, requiring planning on my part. Plans need to be submitted to Him, much like a harvest requires diligent planning. Preparing for a wheat harvest involves acquiring wheat seeds, mapping out fields, and more. Similarly, we need to plan for the vision God has given us. What needs to happen to be ready when Spring finally arrives and the seeds of vision need to be planted?

In planning, the story of Nehemiah serves as an inspiring example. Nehemiah, upon hearing about the broken walls of Jerusalem, took time to pray and seek God’s guidance before taking action. Nehemiah 2:4-5 says, “The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, ‘If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.’” Nehemiah’s careful planning and seeking God’s guidance allowed him to rebuild the walls successfully. His story reminds us that planning with God’s guidance is crucial for any vision to come to fruition.

Planning involves setting milestones, creating strategies, and making preparations for the future. It’s about being intentional with the vision God has given us. In this season, I wrote down my plans, sought counsel, and was diligent in my preparations. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Submitting our plans to God ensures that we are walking in alignment with His will.

Maintain Equipment (or Skills Development)

The story of Nehemiah also teaches us about maintaining the equipment. Nehemiah didn't just plan the rebuilding of the walls; he ensured that the workers had the tools and resources they needed. Nehemiah 4:17 says, “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.” This dual preparation—building and defending—highlights the importance of being well-equipped for the task at hand. We must ensure that we have the necessary tools and skills to carry out God's vision.

In my case, this meant acquiring new tools. What skills do you need for the next harvest God is calling you to? For me, it was training to become a coach. In my career, I had done a lot of developing systems, consulting, training, and mentoring. Coaching, however, required a mindset shift. Coaching is about partnership and believing the client has what they need to overcome obstacles. I was proud about my past experiences where I was the expert, but coaching demanded a new approach—less ego, more humility.

Winter is also an excellent time to reflect on the tools we have and determine what new ones we might need. This can be literal tools for a job or metaphorical ones like new skills or training. For example, if you feel called to a new career or ministry, what certifications or education might you need? If you are pursuing a personal goal, what resources or support systems are required?

Reflection and Moving Forward

Winter, though often seen as a time of barrenness and cold, is a necessary phase in our personal and professional growth. Embrace it, rest in it, dream in it, plan in it, and maintain in it. For Winter prepares us for the Spring and Summer, leading us ultimately to the Harvest. Embracing the season of Winter allows us to emerge stronger, with renewed vision and purpose, ready to step into the fullness of God’s plans for our lives.

Reflecting on this journey, I realize that God uses every season for our good. The rest in Winter, the dreams birthed during this time, the meticulous planning, and the maintenance of our tools and skills all serve to prepare us for the future He has in store. We must trust His timing and processes, knowing that each season has its divine purpose.

As you consider the season you are in, ask yourself these questions: Are you embracing the rest that God offers? Are you allowing yourself to dream and seek His vision? Are you planning diligently, submitting your plans to Him? Are you maintaining and acquiring the tools and skills needed for the future?