You Can’t Park Here: Knowing When a Season Is Over

There’s a question I’ve been getting since a message I recently preached:

“Pastor, how do you know when a season is over? And how do you get unstuck when it is?”

It’s a powerful question because so many believers are faithful, but stuck. Still parked in a season God has already moved past.

Sometimes we’re not stuck because we’ve done something wrong. We’re stuck because we’ve stayed too long.

1️⃣ How to Know When a Season Is Over

When God shifts seasons, He often sends quiet indicators before He makes loud moves. If you’re discerning whether your time in a place, role, or situation is ending, here are a few spiritual clues to pay attention to.

The Grace Lifts

What once flowed easily now feels forced. You used to have energy and peace for it, but now it drains you. That’s not laziness; that’s often God removing His grace from that season so He can place it on the next one.

Doors Begin to Close

Sometimes God shuts what we keep trying to prop open.

Closed doors are not always rejection. Sometimes they are redirection.

When God no longer allows access, He’s not punishing you; He’s protecting your progress.

A Holy Discomfort Rises

It’s not rebellion. It’s not boredom. It’s that inner stirring that says, “There’s more in me than what I’m doing right now.”

The same way a baby outgrows the womb, your spirit starts pressing against what used to fit comfortably.

God Confirms It

The Word, prayer, and wise counsel start echoing the same thing: “It’s time.”

God rarely surprises you without first preparing you. If you keep hearing the same message from multiple directions, don’t ignore it.

2️⃣ How to Get Unstuck

Recognizing the end of a season is one thing, but moving forward is another. So how do we unpark our souls?

Acknowledge It

You can’t move from what you refuse to admit.

Say it plainly: “I’ve been parked too long.”

Freedom begins with honesty.

Ask for Fresh Direction

Don’t just ask, “Lord, where should I go next?” Ask, “Who are You shaping me to become in this next chapter?”

God is more interested in your transformation than your relocation.

Activate Your Faith

Take one obedient step, even if you don’t know where it leads.

Faith doesn’t need the full GPS; it just needs the next turn.

Align with New Community

Old circles may not fit new callings.

When God promotes you, He often introduces you to people who carry the same assignment. Don’t resist the relationships that come with your next level.

Abide in His Presence

You’ll always feel lost when you try to move without Him.

Stay close to the presence of God, and you’ll never have to wonder where He’s leading.

Final Thought

You’ll know a season is over when His presence has shifted and your peace won’t let you stay the same.

You’ll get unstuck when you stop gazing at what was and start walking toward what is.

Because here’s the truth:

God can’t drive a parked car.

So today, if you feel Him tugging at your heart, don’t fight the shift.

Don’t camp out in comfort. Don’t linger in what was.

Move with intention.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to recognize when a season is over.

Teach me not to cling to what You’ve completed.

Give me faith to take the next step,

and courage to move with You, even when I don’t see where You’re leading.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.