Victory this Winter!
Monday, January 8, 2007 at 4:00AM Happy 2007, Everyone!
I trust that your holiday season was a blessed one.
As many of you know, Monday has typically been my "Blogging Day."
But with new schedule demands, I need to move that day to Wednesday. So starting next week, I will post on Wednesday. Please consider subscribing to this Blog's feed so that you will recieve notification when I post.
Now, on to today's topic...
I don't know about you, but the winter season is typically my toughest season. Because of the residual effects of Lyme Disease, my bones and joints tend to be especially sore during this season. I feel my best when I am out in the warm weather, biking in the sun, and working up a sweat!
Everybody is different. For some of you, winter may be your best time of year. Either way, I think we all relate to having a less-than-favorite time of year.
A while back I was praying about this winter season, asking God for a special grace to get through it. The Lord "one-up'd" me by saying, "You will not only 'get through' this winter, you will walk victoriously through it! LOOK for my ressurection power this season and you will find it!"
I was instantly struck by the stark (but all-too-familiar) contrast between my perspective and God's.
Since that morning in prayer, I've been constantly nudged by the Holy Spirit to "look up."
The other day I pulled into my driveway and got out of my car. As I walked toward the house, I heard a bird sing. I stopped in my tracks and turned around.
We were enjoying an unusually warm winter day. The snow was melting, the sky was blue, and a bird was singing!
I looked up at the strong oak tree in our front yard and sure enough, a tiny little bird had its eyes toward heaven and was singing a beautiful song. For a brief moment, I thought it was springtime. I inhaled the fresh air, looked up at the sky once more and thanked God for a visual reminder of a heavenly promise.
His promises are true all of the time. We may celebrate Easter in the spring, but the power of Christ's ressurection is available all year long.
The next morning during my prayer time, I listened to a few songs one typically hears at Easter time. Easter is my favorite holiday because it surrounds me with reminders of God's intimate love and His power to make all things new.
Just because I've yet to put away all of my Christmas decorations, doesn't mean I can't "take out" my Easter decor.
I'm going to walk in victory this winter by fixing my eyes on the Promise we celebrate in the spring. When the sky is blue I am going to walk outside, lift my eyes and take it in. When the clouds move in, I'm going to play the songs that remind me, that above the clouds, the blue sky is still very much in place.
Some of you may not be able to relate to my "winter struggle" but you have gray days and seasons of your own.
The Bible says that God surrounds us with His tender mercies. The Bible also says that blessings chase the righteous, and they overtake us!
Look to the Lord and His strength today. Seek His face always.
Amidst this winter season, look for signs of springtime. Be reminded of the promise of renewal. Even in the winter, the promises of renewal and replenishment have been made available to you today.
Bless you, dear friends!
Reader Comments (1)