As the seasons change and we move from summer to fall, nature reminds us of a powerful truth. The work of spring and summer leads to a harvest, and whether or not we’re paying attention, the rhythms of nature are still at play. The same is true in our lives—God is at work, nurturing, pruning, and preparing us for what’s ahead.

But what about your harvest? What’s God growing in you during this season? It’s easy to miss it in the busyness of life, but that doesn’t mean the work isn’t happening. Jesus used stories about farming and nature to explain how God’s Kingdom works, and those rhythms apply to us today. The principles Jesus taught might seem radical or even impractical at times, but they challenge us to slow down and reflect. They invite us to consider that life, as we see it, isn’t always as straightforward as it appears. More is happening beneath the surface than our busy schedules and daily concerns might reveal. Jesus’ teachings remind us to pause and recognize that God is working in ways we might overlook if we don’t take time to slow down, pay attention, and align ourselves with what He’s doing in and around us.

Following Jesus means letting go of building our own kingdoms and focusing on His. And that’s not always easy. It requires asking, “Am I trying to do things my way, or am I letting God lead?” Repentance is key here—it’s more than just saying sorry. It’s about realigning with God’s direction and purpose.

Romans 8 reminds us that God’s Kingdom isn’t some far-off future reality—it’s here, now, within us. Followers of Jesus carry His Spirit into the world, and through us, His light shines into dark places. But to be part of His work, we have to pause and ask ourselves: What is God dismantling in me? What is He rebuilding?

Repentance is like windshield wipers clearing away the fog of pride, distractions, and self-reliance. Without them, we can’t see the road ahead. Repentance also helps us to correct our course and get back on the path that leads to life. It’s not just about fixing things or getting it right; it’s about making space for God to work in and through us.

God’s ways are about life, but the world’s ways often lead us toward sin, causing spiritual death, burnout, pride, and exhaustion. In Jesus, we see an invitation to surrender. To stop building our own kingdom and embrace His. And that means slowing down enough to see where He’s leading and where He’s calling us to change.

Repentance is an ongoing part of following Jesus, not a one-time event. It’s a practice that brings us back to the gift of life that God offers—a life filled with His purpose, His presence, and His love.

So, in this season, take time to ask: What is God doing in me? What does He want me to let go of? In surrendering to His work, we find the freedom and life we’ve longed for. His Kingdom is here, and we’re invited to be part of it.