Although I live in an area where snow is a mainstay four months out of the year, I hate winter. I love the beauty of the season, but I hate the cold.
In our part of the country, winter is necessary for spring. When blooms fade and plants lay dormant, they are preparing for a new season in their life cycles. When the snow melts and crocuses bloom, we know a new season is coming. A season of fresh starts. A season of new beginnings. A season of renewal.
At the beginning of the year, several doors of opportunity flung wide open for me. My spirits soared to the mountain tops. It’s been an amazing month.
This past week, however, I’ve been discouraged by some challenging situations in my life. I’m feeling helping because there isn’t anything I can do to change these difficulties. I shared my concerns with my Ponderer girls on Friday, and they lifted me up in prayer and encouragement. I’m so blessed by their friendship and love.
My good friend Jo is our pastor’s wife and the assistant pastor at our church. She knows of our circumstances right now and shared this with me via email:
“Winter preserves and strengthens a tree. Rather than expending its strength on the exterior surface, the tree forces its sap deeper into its interior. In winter a tougher, more resilient life is firmly established. Winter is necessary for the tree to survive and flourish.” ~Richard Foster
God is awesome. He is Jehovah Jireh–The Lord will provide. He is Jehovah Rophe–The Lord Who Heals. He is Jehovah Nissi–The Lord Our Banner. He is Jehovah Shalom–The Lord Our Peace.
Why do I allow doubt and discouragement to clutter up my thoughts? I’m human. When God does mighty things, Satan simmers and tries to get a foothold. Instead of rejoicing and clinging to the hope and joy in God, I allowed those negative thoughts to bring me down.
God heard my cry and filled my path, shoulder to shoulder, with incredible friends, who continually encourage me. He showed me in many ways that He hears my cries. Like the tree burdened with snow, I, too, will survive this season and flourish.
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. ~Psalm 61:1-2
Your turn: Are you in a season of winter? Discouragement is exhausting. What is weighing you down today? Share so we can pray over you to help strengthen you so you can flourish.
Wow. That's a powerful message from your pastor. I was in a season of winter – but have recently passed into spring. It's weird – but on this side of it, I'm able to look back and truly appreciate that season and see it as a blessing. It did strengthen me. I hope every season I go through, I'll be as much on my knees as i was then.
Katie, you're so right. After writing the post, I felt like a shroud had been lifted from my heart. The discouragement lifted, and I replaced it with joy and thanksgiving. God doesn't promise Christians to have a trial-free life, but He does promise to always walk through the fire with us!
I feel like I am just coming out of winter. About 5 years ago, my husband (a preacher) was called by God to start a church. After no growth, emptied savings and retirement funds, and mounting debt, we closed the doors about 1-1/2 years ago. We are now at a church that is a perfect fit and are getting back on our feet. We did loose our home to foreclosure a few months ago, but I am seeing the snow finally melt and feeling the warmth of the SON. God is good to bring on the spring!
Sherrinda, wow! Your post made me really appreciate all I have. I'm sure your season of winter wasn't easy on you. I'm so thankful you're heading into spring!
When I feel stuck in winter, I like to lock myself away with the Lord and revisit this verse. I pray it will bring you as much peace as it gives me! "My beloved spoke, and said to me; Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come…"