God intended, we are not in the position or prepared and spiritually equipped to handle the tasks God has for us or the challenges that may come our way. We won’t get nurtured with the things needed to feed us and sustain for our longevity. Also, when we do things out of the season God intended for us, we can cause spiritual harm. Sometimes our good intentions can go arwy!
Like the beautiful trees I saw, our timing will be off. We may have a moment of a flashy display but when our ministries are of our own making, the display will certainly not last.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7, NKJV
Scripture says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 NKJV)."
Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Psalm 127:1a, NKJV
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28, NKJV
When we become more concerned about operating in the “gifts” more than the timing and season of the “Gift - giver,” we run the risk of failure.
Simon the Sorcerer is a prime example of someone who cared more about the gifts and the power of the gifts, than the Gift-giver. After witnessing the Apostles laying hands on people and they received the Holy Spirit he offered them (the Apostles) money.
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Acts 8:18-21, NKJV
Simon wanted the manifestation of the gift without developing a relationship with the Gift-giver. He wanted to be seen (have his flashy display). He coveted what God had given someone else. Simon wanted the end result of a relationship with the Gift-giver without going through the process. He was really trying to bloom out of season.
Scripture tells us that we are to desire certain gifts and that we have been given gifts with a purpose:
For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
1 Corinthians 7:7, NKJV
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
Psalm 118:8, NKJV
God plans seasons for each of our lives to accomplish His purposes. Never rebuke the “winter” season just because you prefer the “spring." Embrace the season God has arranged for you. In doing this, you are truly trusting in the Lord.
Edi Norman