“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2
The Ice Man cometh! In the last week or so we have been plunged back into snow and cold. The deathly stillness has returned and winter’s white landscape dominates our countryside. Deciduous trees now stand like naked wretches, waiting to be clothed by the warm hospitality of spring. With winter the cloak of green has been removed, fallen away to expose the tree’s gnarly limbs and lumpy trunk. All the irregularities and defects are exposed. It is the same tree but the showy foliage has been removed.
Life can turn for the believer and bring about similar “winter” consequences for us. One minute all is beautiful then a stripping or hardship enters and it appears that life disappears. As with the tree, this experience reveals who we really are. Life can become so busy and fast paced, or so regular and predictable, that regular sifting and sorting of our soul is ignored. Then a winter storm hits! In this frozen numbness the ability to follow the Lord becomes harder and we have less to show for it, in a tangible sense. But God is forcing the life deeper and deeper. Like the tree, the only growth may be in the root system during this time – the hidden life. Yet winter root growth establishes a stronger base for spring development.
The source of all outward displays of our Christianity depends on the inner life with Christ – the roots of faith. Just as with the tree in winter conditions, our faith may deepen and grow without spectacular outward operations during a time of trail. What is happening, however, is God’s pure love is at work in our soul. He is driving us inside to strengthen our inner life with Him. Our response should be abandonment and removal of any sin obstructions. Winter preserves the tree, winter preserves the soul.
No comments:
Post a Comment