‘Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise’ Proverbs 6:6 (NKJV)
Have you ever been in an environment when you were totally unprepared? Maybe you have been in a supermarket and have queued to get to the cashier, to discover the shopping will cost more than you have in your wallet! When you are unprepared for something, it is often inconvenient – and costly! In the ancient book of Proverbs, the writer tells us to learn a lesson from the ways of the ant: ‘it has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest’ (6:7-8). The ant works hard in one season, to prepare well for survival in the coming season. Preparation for only one season can lead to loss, diminished resources and wasted opportunities. Remember, life is seasonal; there are some times which are dry and rough, but others which are full of joy and plenty. Holding steady in tough times develops perseverance, and keeps you on course. If you end up wishing a season away, it wastes the potential. If you can embrace it instead, and learn by asking questions, you will grow in maturity. In the Bible, the men of Issachar understood the season, and therefore knew what the nation of Israel should do at certain times. If you can understand the season you’re in, you will know what is required for that time; sometimes it will be to gather and save, other times to hold steady and endure. Whatever the season, it will always be a time to learn, and to grow.