Episode 47 | Strategy for Your Season, Not the Times

We’re all living in the same time—but we’re not all living in the same season. And if you don’t know the difference, you might miss what God is doing in you because you're distracted by what’s happening around you.

Understanding Times vs. Seasons

Let’s start with some clarity.“The times” refer to what’s happening around us—culturally, economically, politically. These are collective experiences that affect everyone in a region, country, or even the world: times of war, recession, pandemic, prosperity, or political unrest. We all feel the ripple effects of these moments in history.

But “seasons” are personal.Seasons reflect what God is doing in us and through us. They are spiritual stages like birth, growth, pruning, expansion,and transition. Even in a time of famine, some are being born, others are growing, and still others are transitioning out. The impact of a famine will hit a newborn differently than it will a healthy adult. Why? Because they’re in different seasons—though living through the same time.

That’s why as leaders, it’s not enough to understand the times.We have to interpret the times through the lens of our individual season.Your season will dictate your priorities, your strategy, and how you measure success.

The Five Seasons of Development

So how do you know what season you’re in? Let’s break them down:

1. Birthing Season

You feel the urgency to launch something new—even when others are pulling back.Where others see obstacles, you see opportunity. This is the time for prayerful boldness, not trend-following. When you're birthing something, your strategy will look different. Stay in tune with the Spirit and trust what He’s stirring in you—even if it doesn't match the mood of the moment.

2. Initial Growth

You see the first signs of life. Encouraging—but also deceiving.Don’t define your entire identity or success by early wins. This stage requires nurture, observation, and flexibility. Just like you wouldn’t buy clothes for a baby based on a five-month ultrasound, you need to wait and let the vision mature before locking in a plan.

3. Pruning Season

Painful, but purposeful.Pruning removes what’s nonessential and reveals what’s truly necessary. This season reveals who’s with you—and who’s not. It eliminates distractions and deepens your focus. Don’t mistake pruning for punishment. It’s a setup for future fruitfulness.

4. Abundant Growth

The doors fly open. Opportunities are everywhere.This is when you need two things: strategy and stamina. Strategy helps you decide where to invest your harvest. Stamina keeps you grounded and connected to God amid the momentum. Abundance can be overwhelming—so stay anchored.

5. Transition Season

It’s time to pass the baton.This season is about preparation and legacy. You’re moving from one place to the next—physically, emotionally, professionally, or spiritually. Transition well by mentoring others, finishing strong, and paving the way for what’s next. It’s not about you anymore—it’s about what you’re leaving behind.

With so much happening in the world, it’s not enough to just understand the times. You must lead and live based on the season you’re in. That season will determine your focus, your faith, and your next faithful step.