Stop for a moment and think about it: the season you are in is part of your training. God wants to mold your soul, transform your thoughts, and your character. He wants to teach you a very specific lesson; are you listening?

We all go through different chapters in our lives. Sometimes we are in a season of joy, career advancement, or romantic pursuits. And sometimes we go through trials, challenges, and problems to solve. Where is God in all of this? He is not the “good” God when we are in abundance, and the “angry” God when we are in trouble. He is God, and He does not change according to our seasons. His presence does not vary, His love for us does not vary (Hebrews 13:8). And the enemy of our soul is just as active in one season as in the other (1 Peter 5:8).

During the pleasant seasons, God wants to teach us to give Him glory and to find greater pleasure in His presence than in the blessings we receive. We must then surrender our talents into His hands, placing our blessings on the altar (Genesis 22). This is a time to appreciate rest and to heal our wounds, whether spiritual or emotional. We can take advantage of a respite from our struggles to train and grow stronger. We have much to learn in the school of the Holy Spirit during this season. We must remain vigilant so that we do not become complacent during this time of rest, or fall into pride, thinking that these blessings are the fruit of our labor (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). We can certainly enjoy the good things that come our way, and we should, but while keeping our hand in that of our Heavenly Father. The enemy lies in wait for us during this time, trying to lure us into the trap of fleeting pleasures and make us forget that we are set apart like priests, that we belong to Christ.

During times of trial, we often find ourselves on our knees, weeping before God, begging for deliverance. And when our trial persists, we mustn’t become angry with God or believe that He no longer loves us. We can certainly examine our hearts and see if this situation is due to a poor decision or a character trait that needs changing. But we mustn’t isolate ourselves or belittle ourselves either. We remain His cherished children even in times of trial (Romans 8:38-39). We need to fight spiritually, to put the enemy in his place, to remind him of his end, his defeat on the cross. We need to declare God’s promises and thank the Holy Spirit for being with us during these battles. When our strength falters, we can rely on the Lion of Judah. When we reach our limits, all we can do is watch God act on our behalf. It is when we have less (less money, less strength, fewer friends) that we find in God what we need (2 Corinthians 12:10). The enemy also lies in wait to try to make us lose hope, to doubt God’s love. Let us resist his lies and keep our eyes fixed on eternal life.

There is always something to learn, no matter what season we are in. So, what are you learning about God right now? Through the season you are in, what character traits is God developing in you? If you are not learning something, you are wasting your time. Whose voice are you listening to most right now? The voice of those who complain, who doubt God, who consider all the possible negative consequences? Or do you listen to the voice of God that sees beyond your situation, beyond your suffering, and that plans your life, not just the current season? When you are joyful, do you forget God, too busy enjoying your blessings? Do you become religious, forcing others to follow this or that rule as if it were your good behavior that earned you these blessings?

God’s presence does not change according to our trials. Nor does His love. Nor His instructions. We have something to learn at every stage of our lives. Don’t miss the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit. Close your eyes, stop focusing on your suffering or your blessings for a few minutes, and step into eternal life. There, Jesus is. And He wants to teach you something. The word He has for you today will be a strength to get through your trial, or a guard to prevent your fall. Don’t miss this daily lesson.