“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, will never cease.”
– Genesis 8:22
After the holidays, many of us are disappointed. We pack up the Christmas decorations, our hearts heavy with the knowledge that the festivities and celebrations are done. January, on the other hand, is brimming with potential and the promise of new beginnings. This is why I think winter is only a matter of perspective. I relocated to Oklahoma from California when I was a teenager, as I’ve already mentioned. It was a difficult adjustment for me, especially since it was my first time dealing with the brutal and piercing cold of winter. Then there was a snow day, and I got to skip school. I had never experienced a snow day before, and I recall thinking to myself at the time, “well, maybe this isn’t so bad.” Another wonderful thing was that a snowy meadow with a patch of forest behind it could be seen from a large picture window in the back of our Broken Arrow home. After all of the trees in that forest had lost their leaves and appeared to be dead (despite the fact that they weren’t), the branches would be covered in an inch-thick sheet of ice. They literally looked like ice trees! It was incredibly neat, and I liked to sit and admire its one-of-a-kind beauty. So, is winter a good or bad thing? Is it beautiful or unpleasant? Is it simple or complex? I believe that as you think about it, you’ll realize that it’s truly both. Nature demonstrates that, while hazardous, challenging, and unpleasant, it can also be restful and therapeutic. Even though it is cold and dark at this time of year, it has its own special beauty and evidence of God’s faithfulness. Friend, don’t lose sight of the promise and optimism of winter, no matter what you’re going through now. Face the darkness with the awareness that the Light of the World resides inside you, and He will bring His light to all of your adversity. Allow Him to use the cold to sharpen and increase your faith, even when you can’t see Him. Then relax, knowing that the warmth of spring will eventually breakthrough, and it will be stunning! |
Prayer
Jesus, thanks for providing me with your perspective on winter. I know you’re present in all four seasons, and you’re using the cold to increase my faith.
Reflection
What are your thoughts on winter? In the midst of the darkness and cold, how have you witnessed God’s faithfulness?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
5 Responses
I believe that there is light at the end of this long and dark tunnel. But all of us have to do some essential things, such as wearing masks, washing hands, and still practicing social distancing. There are lots of people out there, who haven’t gotten their first shots of Pfizer or Moderna or Johnson &Johnson. They are the ones who because of their stupidity and or ignorance spread the virus among themselves, their friends and family members, and their whole community. I hope and pray that all will see and realize what is very important.And that is to stop,the spreading of another potentially deadly and fatal new variant. I hope and pray that the Hour of Power will continue its mission of spreading the good news of God and his healing messages to all around the world. To Pastor Bobby Schuller and his beautiful family
I ask in prayer that they are protected from this horrible virus. To the worshiping community of Shepherd’s Grove at Irvine Presbyterian Church. Peace Love and warm thoughts. To the musicians and choir along with their directors,messages of thanks and appreciation for the beautiful music and angelic voices that give praise to God. As always I remain a faithful viewer and Happy and Wholesome Student in Jesus Christ. And he will raise you up on Eagle’s Wings, Bear you on the breath of Dawn, Make you to shine like the Sun, And hold you in the palm of his hand.Amen
I am not stupid or ignorant and have had no shots and love my neighbors. I reacted terribly to an anti-viral medication several years ago. Fortunately, as soon as that first tablet wore off, the drug-induced dementia faded away. Perhaps you can imagine why I won’t risk my mind.
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJV
Remember: Greater is He that is in you than he that is in this world.
Perfect message for today here in the northeast… -20 wind chill…
I posted on my FB timeline the verse from Genesis…. very apropriate for today.
Thank you and blessings to all, Joe
The cold dark days of winter have given me moments for reflection, prayer, and -praise. At first I was focusing on problems as many plans were canceled or rescheduled due to COVID. But in reading Bobby’s daily reflections, I could see I had a choice whether to focus on problems or see possibilities. So I earnestly began my own Bible study taking time to pray over the Word; praising God; seeking Him for direction in my life; and interceding for others. I’m no longer “ hurried or worried.” And for me a retired RN ICU nurse, that’s a miracle! Thank you Bobby, Hannah, and the entire staff of Hour of Power!!! God bless you all!