In Season and Out of Season: When God moves - and when we wait

There’s been a lot of fantastic news about church growth among those in their teens and twenties recently. The Bible Society’s Quiet Revival report speaks of a marked rise in 18 - 24-year-olds attending church. I’ve heard joyful accounts of an Orthodox church overflowing, and a local Anglican congregation bursting with young people eager to worship on Easter Day.

It’s a glorious moment - stories of young people just walking into church, curious about God. No polished evangelism course. No perfectly crafted sermon. No clever outreach campaign. Just God.

What’s even more encouraging is that these stories are deeply personal. God is meeting people one by one and drawing them to Godself. Of course, in many places the church has done the faithful work of being open, welcoming, and ready - but the stories I keep encountering all begin with the quiet, unmistakable movement of the Spirit.

In my own context, two wonderful people have come across my path this year. In both cases, I simply happened to be a Christian walking beside them at just the right time. The Holy Spirit was already stirring in their lives. I love it when that happens. It reminds me - this is God’s work, not mine. We are just called to follow and be available when the wind of the Spirit blows.

A season of fruitfulness… for some

With all this encouragement, I’m also acutely aware: this may not be everyone’s experience right now. It’s not the constant story in my villages at the moment. And perhaps it’s not the story where you are either.

When we hear about God moving powerfully elsewhere, but not where we are, it can stir some unsettling questions:

• Why there and not here?

• Why am I not part of that?

• How long will that last?

These questions can come from a place of desire, but they can also reveal our frustration, disappointment and jealousy. And yet, they are part of being human. It’s okay to ask them - so long as we’re ready to also listen for God’s answer.

God’s also in the waiting

There’s something deeply holy about remaining faithful in the place God has planted us - even when we don’t see fruit right away. It’s the part of the Bible we often skip over: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). We love the ‘in season’ moments - when the Spirit moves powerfully and people are hungry for God, but not so much the ‘out of season’ ones.

I remember a time in ministry when I couldn’t understand why God had placed me in a particular, seemingly fruitless, context. The Spirit said so clearly: “Being here is your worship.” That moment has stayed with me. Sometimes, just showing up, staying put, and trusting God is the most profound act of praise we can offer.

Celebrate. Stay hungry. Stay faithful.

So, whether you’re in the middle of a move of God, watching and waiting, or somewhere in between, I want to encourage you:

• Celebrate what God is doing - even when it’s not happening in front of you.

• Discover God in the waiting - following God’s call is enough.

God is always working. Sometimes we get to see the harvest. Sometimes we’re the ones sowing quietly in faith. Sometimes we’re just standing in the field, waiting for the rain. Wherever you are - in season or out - God is with you, and let’s celebrate all that God is doing.

Jo Allen

Director South West