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In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down once again with Dr Janice Sjostrand – every time she comes on, I know we’re about to go deep.
We talked about what she calls the “7 Circles of Life”—a biblical framework for understanding how we grow through different seasons. From childhood to mature adulthood, each stage carries its own responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities for spiritual development.
What stood out to me most is how many people struggle not because they don’t love God, but because they never learned how to transition between seasons. They were faithful as children, but something didn’t carry through into adulthood. Or they’re adults now, but still trying to navigate life without the tools they should have developed earlier.
Dr Sjostrand breaks that down in a way that is both practical and spiritual.
We talked about everything from obedience and self-control to responsibility, selflessness, and ultimately, total dependence on God. One of the most powerful truths she shared is this:
That we are complete in Him.
No matter what season you’re in right now, this episode will help you understand what God is doing in your life, and how to grow through it.
10 Key Takeaways
1. Life Moves in God-Designed Seasons
Your life isn’t random. God has designed seasons—“circles”—that shape your growth. Each one builds on the last.
2. Spiritual Growth Requires Transition
Many people start strong in their walk with God but struggle later because they never transitioned properly between seasons.
3. Childhood (0–10): Learn Obedience and Authority
The foundation of life is built here. Learning to trust, submit, and respond to authority sets the tone for everything that follows.
4. Adolescence (11–20): Develop Self-Control
This season is all about discipline—controlling emotions, desires, and impulses. Without it, growth stalls.
5. Adulthood Requires Strength and Responsibility
At some point, it becomes “on you.” You’re expected to carry weight—and that’s where many people feel overwhelmed.
6. You Will Feel Unqualified (And That’s Normal)
That feeling of “I don’t know what I’m doing” doesn’t go away. It’s part of every season—but it’s meant to push you toward trusting God.
7. God Doesn’t Leave You to Figure It Out Alone
You’re not just His people—He is your God. He promises to strengthen you, help you, and guide you in every season.
8. Maturity Is Marked by Selflessness
As you grow, life becomes less about you and more about serving others. True maturity looks like laying down your life daily.
9. Your Past Doesn’t Disqualify You
Even if you missed things in earlier seasons, God can restore and complete what was lacking.
10. Growth Requires Hunger, Will, and Faith
You have to want to grow. You have to pursue God. And you have to trust Him even when you don’t understand the season you’re in..
Scriptures Referenced & Connected
Foundation & Identity in God
- Psalm 103:1–5, 13 – Bless the Lord; He forgives, heals, restores, and shows fatherly compassion
- Colossians 2:10 – You are complete in Him
Understanding Life & Seasons
- Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days
- Psalm 23:6 – Goodness and mercy follow us all our days
Spiritual Growth & Transformation
- Galatians 5:16, 22–23 – Walk in the Spirit; the fruit of the Spirit
- 1 Peter 2:2 – Desire the sincere milk of the Word
- Matthew 5:6 – Hunger and thirst after righteousness
Trusting God Through Every Season
- Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord; He will direct your path
- Isaiah 41:10 – I will strengthen you, help you, and uphold you
- Isaiah 55:8–9 – God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours
Surrender, Obedience & Daily Living
- Matthew 6:10 – Thy will be done
- Matthew 7:7, 21 – Ask, seek, knock; doing the will of the Father
- Matthew 11:28–30 – Come to Me; My yoke is easy
- Matthew 26:39 – Not my will, but Yours be done
- Hebrews 10:7 – I come to do Your will
Faith in Action
- Galatians 5:6 – Faith working through love
Endurance & Eternal Perspective
Acts 7:59–60 – Stephen’s faith and surrender in death
Final Thought
Every stage of life carries pressure, responsibility, and moments where you feel like you don’t have what it takes. But that’s the point – it’s in those moments that you learn to lean on Him.
You may feel behind or unprepared. You may even feel like you missed something along the way.
But if you’re in Christ, you’re not incomplete, you’re in the process of formation.
And if you’ll stay submitted, and keep trusting Him, God will do exactly what He promised: He will complete what you lack.
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