Jubilee Seasons: Embracing Renewal in Our Lives

The Essence of Renewal

If I had to describe the heart of Jubilee Seasons in one word, it would be "renewal." Genuine renewal cannot happen without seasons of quiet rest. However, rest alone is not the end goal. Seasons of rest serve as doorways into something new. It's during these times, we experience a renewed sense of purpose and joy. And this renewal is by design as the presence of God breathes life into our souls.

Understanding Spiritual Renewal

Spiritual renewal can be defined as the process of revitalizing and rejuvenating one's spiritual life in Christ through a transformational mindset and a commitment to living according to Jesus's values. It is a deeply personal journey of growth, which often follows a "wilderness season."

Embracing Wilderness Seasons

Wilderness seasons are crucial for our growth in understanding what it means to follow Jesus. Although they are seldom welcomed, these seasons reveal our survival mechanisms for what they truly are. It is here that we discover healing in profound ways. It is through our wilderness seasons that we start to take responsibility for our dysfunctional patterns while refraining from taking responsibility for those we observe in others. This process allows us to learn the difference between what we can change, and what we cannot.

It's also during these wilderness experiences that our hearts are once again attuned to the compassionate voice of our Savior. He guides us through dry terrain, leading us back into fertile ground.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Jubilee Seasons

We do have a long-term vision for Jubilee Seasons. And even now, I am beginning to see new opportunities emerge. I can honestly say that this company was birthed out of my own personal wilderness, but it is exciting to see what is on the horizon as we take the next steps. Because of this, I have begun to write a new devotional titled 21 Days of Prayer Walking: Traveling through the Book of Joshua. When read through the eyes of the New Covenant, Joshua still has encouragement in learning how to exit the wilderness and take hold of God's promises.

The Power of Brokenness

Maybe you feel as though renewal in your situation will never come; or that you are just too tired to keep hoping for things to change. But, I invite you to reflect on this quote from Pastor Vance Havner: “God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”

Ultimately, it is Jesus’s broken body that makes us whole–through the finished work of the cross. And, it is in the process of rest and renewal where we learn to dwell safely in the care of our Shepherd.

Conclusion: Finding Peace and Wholeness

Be encouraged! Seasons of renewal will certainly come. Learning to embrace our wilderness periods, and understanding the significance of rest is key. But we must also look forward in faith to new beginnings and trust that God's redeeming grace can see us all the way through.

Peace and wholeness, friends!