Seasons In Life-FULL SERMON | Joyce Meyer

This afternoon, let’s reflect on the various seasons we experience in life and learn how to recognize when a season is shifting. Holding onto something that God has moved on from can hinder us. Just because you’ve been doing something for a decade or more with God’s guidance doesn’t mean He won’t guide you in a new direction when the time is right. Allow me to share a story that may help illustrate what to watch for when it’s time for change.

When a change is happening in your life—such as in your workplace where decisions are out of your hands—it’s natural to feel resistant. Yet, you can either sit in discomfort or adapt to the change. A helpful perspective to adopt is this: when you can’t change what’s happening, the first thing to do is change your attitude toward it. If it’s inevitable, shift your mindset to embrace it. Life constantly brings change, and it’s often for our growth.

Think about the friendships you’ve had over the years. Some relationships, no matter how fulfilling, may only be meant for a season. Just because someone is no longer in your life doesn’t mean it was a failure; it may simply be time for a new season. Similarly, when you’ve supported someone for years, there may come a point when God asks you to let go, allowing them to stand on their own. My own experience with my brother is a testament to this. He lived with us for several years, during which we supported him through a difficult recovery. Eventually, though, we had to step back to encourage his independence. It wasn’t easy, but sometimes loving someone means allowing them to grow without constant support.

God calls us to help others, but not to the extent that they never learn to help themselves. It’s important to recognize the balance between support and self-reliance.

The same goes for our children. As they grow, our relationship with them must evolve. While we guide them closely when they are young, as they mature, they require space to make their own decisions. It’s important to remember not to impose advice unless asked. There will come a time when you must let go and trust their ability to navigate life. Don’t make your entire life revolve around your children, as one day they’ll create lives of their own. If your only focus has been on them, you may find yourself struggling once they’re gone.

I encourage you to build a life with depth and variety—investing in your marriage, cultivating friendships, and exploring hobbies. Our family’s journey is a testament to this. I have close bonds with each of my four children, and although two of them live just minutes away, they each have lives of their own, which is a blessing for all of us.

As you embrace each season, trust that God’s guidance is always there, helping you recognize and adapt to change gracefully.