Introduction: Thirteen years ago, the ministry God graciously appointed me to lead, entered a prophetic season where God orchestrated significant changes by removing individuals who weren’t aligned with our leadership direction. Though the process was tumultuous, and I faced personal challenges, it ultimately led to the end of one phase of ministry to another phase of spiritual growth with the right people in place. This experience showed me how God operates according to His timing and what withstands His shaking remains so it can be shaped by Him in alignment with His purpose. In this article, we’ll briefly explore the concept of prophetic seasons and how they shape our spiritual journeys.
What We Will All Encounter:
God is not limited or bounded by times and seasons because He is God however according to Daniel 2:21GNT He controls the times and the seasons… He uses times and seasons according to His purpose for mankind’s journey of faith. In this journey believers often encounter prophetic seasons—appointed times marked by divine intervention, growth, and breakthroughs. Rooted in biblical principles, these seasons offer insights into God’s sovereign timing and purpose. Understanding these seasons grants clarity into our current situations and prepares us for what lies ahead.
Learning lessons from nature
The bible uses many analogies in nature to explain that we will all experience different seasons in our journey of life. Genesis 8:22 NIV for example says.
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.
The bible also says nature gives signs that a new season is coming.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Matthew 24:32 NIV
He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. Psalms 104:19
Nature also gives signs that a season is over.
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Song of Songs 2:11
These analogies parallel prophetic times and seasons and brings clarity. Just as these natural phenomena are marked by specific occurrences likewise prophetic seasons are predestined periods marked by specific occurrences or transitions, orchestrated by God for His redemptive agenda. Rooted in Ecclesiastes 3:1, these seasons encompass divine timing and purpose, guiding individuals through various stages of spiritual growth and transformation.
Defining Prophetic Season:
The word season in Ecclesiastes 3:1 means a predestined or specific time. Prophetic refers to the divine inspiration or influence guiding individuals to speak and act according to God’s will.
Prophetic seasons can therefore be defined as God’s overarching plan unfolding within specific time frames. Such seasons are characterized by a convergence of divine timing and purpose, orchestrated by God for His redemptive agenda.
Biblical Example of Prophetic Seasons:
The life of Joseph in Genesis exemplifies a journey through prophetic seasons orchestrated by God. Joseph went through seasons of betrayal, captivity, elevation, and redemption, demonstrating God’s sovereign plan unfolding amidst adversity and triumph.
Season of Betrayal: Joseph faced betrayal from his brothers, leading to slavery and separation from his family (Genesis 37:23-24).
Season of Captivity: Despite adversity, Joseph remained faithful in captivity and experienced God’s presence (Genesis 39:21).
Season of Elevation: Through divine intervention, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt, fulfilling God’s purpose (Genesis 41:41-44).
Season of Redemption: Joseph forgave his brothers, embracing redemption and restoration (Genesis 50:20).
Prayer in Alignment with Prophetic Seasons:
If you desire to experience God’s guidance, provision, and power in every season of life (Jeremiah 33:3), know that prayer is essential. It aligns you with God’s prophetic seasons, as it facilitates communion with God, discernment of His will, reception of divine direction, and participation in His redemptive work. Cultivating a lifestyle of prayer and intercession, positions you to walk in step with God’s timing and purposes.
Manifestations of Prophetic Seasons:
History has revealed that prophetic seasons can manifest as spiritual awakenings, revivals, and global shifts. For example, events like the Azusa Street Revival (1906-1909), but some more recent examples of the manifestation of prophetic seasons include:
- Global Prayer Movements: In recent years, there has been a notable resurgence of global prayer movements uniting believers from various denominations, backgrounds, and nations. Initiatives such as the Global Day of Prayer, 24/7 prayer rooms, Global voice of prayer and virtual prayer gatherings have mobilized millions of believers worldwide to intercede for spiritual awakening, societal transformation, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes in the nations.
- Pandemic-Induced Spiritual Awakening: No other event in recent times like the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a spiritual awakening in many individuals and communities, leading to increased interest in prayer, spirituality, and faith. Amidst the challenges, fears and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, there has been a growing hunger for God’s presence, truth, and hope. As a result, many have turned to prayer, seeking comfort, guidance, and divine intervention during this prophetic season of global crisis.
- Technological Advancements and Digital Evangelism: Many churches now have a digital presence because the global pandemic has forced the church to spread the gospel through other modern platforms. We therefore see the proliferation of digital technology and social media platforms ushering in a new prophetic season of digital evangelism and global connectivity. Believers are increasingly turning to digital tools and platforms to share the Gospel, disciple believers, and mobilize prayer and worship on a global scale. This digital prophetic season has now opened doors for reaching unreached people groups, engaging the next generation, and fostering online communities of faith.
- Renewed Emphasis on Holistic Discipleship: In response to cultural shifts and societal challenges, there has been a renewed emphasis on holistic discipleship within the Church. Prophetic leaders and ministries are equipping believers to integrate faith into every aspect of life, including work, relationships, and social engagement. This prophetic season emphasizes the importance of spiritual formation, character development, and Kingdom impact in fulfilling God’s purposes in the world.
Recognizing the Signs of Changing Seasons: Nature gives signs that a new season is coming. Jesus said: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Matthew 24:32 NIV
Psalms 104:19 says: He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.
Every believer must grow in a knowledge of the word, spiritual sensitivity and attentiveness to God’s leading (1 Thessalonians 5:1) if you are to discern changing seasons. You are required to sense the shifting that is taking place and know what He is saying, doing or what He is about to do, in keeping with His plan. You must then ask yourself “What is my responsibility”. If anyone is unclear about what you are discerning just ask Holy Spirit, but do not ignore what you are sensing. By observing spiritual climates and listening to the Holy Spirit, believers can prepare for transitions and in a timely manner, respond obediently.
Embracing Prophetic Seasons: Embracing prophetic seasons entails surrendering to God’s timing and purposes (Jeremiah 29:11).
In my journey of faith, seasons have come, gone and some have returned.
Currently I am in a season of deep spiritual awakening. God has called me to surrender completely to His will, His timing, and His purpose. He is recalibrating me so that I operate with precision according to His divine order, with greater sensitivity and openness to the Holy Spirit. Out of this will come greater devotion, responsibility, visibility, and leadership.
In relation to the ministry of Shammah Outreach Movement, this prophetic season has seen us shift to a social media platform; implement a small group initiative and begin embracing greater personal responsibility and accountability.
As part of the Ecclesia, we must fight the good fight of faith and not be easily derailed. It is a season to seek God’s face, to know God’s truth which is liberating, and to be a voice to spread the good news. There are many different voices seeking the ears of the unsuspecting masses bringing intentional confusion. This is why our voice must be heard.
What prophetic season are you in?
Are you aware of the prophetic season you are in? If you don’t, start paying attention to what is happening around you, to what you have been sensing, to the signs you think are just coincidental. More than anything else seek God to know, for answers to your questions, and for clarity in navigating your current season.
Conclusion: Navigating prophetic seasons requires faith, sensitivity, humility, and surrender to God’s sovereignty. By engaging in prayer, discernment, study of the scriptures and obedience, believers can walk confidently in God’s perfect will, experiencing His transformative power in their lives, family, church, community, nation, and the world.
