The trials of life can wear us down. Unexpected events force us to face a new reality and unanswered prayers lead us to a growing frustration about why God doesn’t intervene. But only in the hard seasons and storms of life are vital spiritual disciplines developed.
Grace Wabuke Klein, former pastor of leadership development at a 10,000-member church and co-leader of the national ministry focus412, knows that there is purpose in our darkest days and seasons of waiting. In Flourish: Finding Purpose in the Unknown and Unexpected Seasons of Life, (Worthy Publishing, August 8, 2023 ISBN: 9781546004301) Grace meets the reader in their heartache, disappointment, and pain and gives encouragement and a fresh perspective on the winter seasons we all go through, as well as practical steps to not just survive but to find purpose in the unknown and unexpected.
Drawing insight from her own winter seasons– of being asked to leave a church because of the color of her skin, waiting two decades for the man God had for her, experiencing the shock and sudden loss of her dad, and having a hysterectomy long before she was able to have children–Grace reveals the divine purpose in each season of our lives. She explains how:
- Fall is a time of release—a necessary season of letting go of offenses, unhealthy relationships, hurts, bad habits, toxic friendships, pride, unforgiveness and other heart issues before we can ever move on to the next season.
- Winter is a time of unexpected challenges and unknown futures—yet lessons learned in life’s storms are deep and full of growth to shape us and makes us stronger.
- Spring is a time of new things that require us to be open to new experiences, people, ideas, and perspective—stepping out into the unknown and uncomfortable.
- Summer is a time when everything is flourishing—we clearly see how each season cultivated a deeper level of faith and spiritual muscles, developing our character and perseverance.
Grace discovered there is value and unseen gifts in each season. Flourish connects with the reader in the tension and storms to bring a word of hope.
