February 9, 2026

A SEASON IDENTIFICATION CHECKLIST

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Yesterday we talked about God having seasons for us to walk through. God rarely works in a straight line; He works in cycles. Today I’d like to give us a simple audit for determining what season we are in and what to do in this season. 

Phase 1: The Planting Season (Hiddenness)

• The Feeling: You feel "buried" rather than planted. You are doing the right things, but nothing seems to be happening.

• The Sign: You are in a season of heavy intake—lots of Bible study, listening, and quiet preparation.

• The Mandate: Patience. Don't dig up the seed to see if it’s growing. Trust the "old root".

Phase 2: The Pruning Season (Subtraction)

• The Feeling: You are losing things. Projects are ending, certain relationships are shifting, or activities that used to bring joy now feel draining.

• The Sign: God is asking you to "let go of the bar." He is removing the "good" to make room for the "great."

• The Mandate: Surrender. Remember: pruning isn't punishment; it’s a promotion for more fruitfulness.

Phase 3: The Growth Season (Stretching)

• The Feeling: You feel "out of your depth." You are being asked to do things you’ve never done before.

• The Sign: Your "neural plasticity" is being put to the test. You are forming new habits and "thought roadways".

• The Mandate: Discipline. Keep showing up even when the "stretching" hurts.

Phase 4: The Harvest Season (Fruitfulness)

• The Feeling: Momentum. Things are clicking into place, and you have the "joy of the Lord" as your strength.

• The Sign: You have more than enough to share. People are coming to you for the "water" you carry.

• The Mandate: Generosity. Don't hoard the harvest; feed the lambs.

Reflect & Pivot

Which phase describes your life this week? Once you identify it, stop fighting the season and start flowing with the Spirit. If you are in Pruning, stop trying to "grow." If you are in Planting, stop looking for "fruit."

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit please show me the season of my present life. I recognize I may be in different seasons in different areas of my life so help me discern each area. Help me to work with You to make this season productive in my life.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”