First day of winter, a piercing chill in the air, driving through fog as droplets sprinkle the windshield. Most travelers proceed with caution; others speed through ignoring the need to slow down. Spending a few more moments enveloped in clouds provided a bit of peace to the rhythm of wipers.
Topping a hill, the sky cleared and the world accelerated, yet with wet roads, one hurried soul found their way into the median, surrounded by flashing lights and bright yellow jackets. Traffic again slowed to a crawl.
Human nature leads towards caution when the path is less than ideal, only to speed up when obstacles seem to scatter. Too often, the faster we travel, the more likely we are to find “hidden” stumbling blocks.
Much like the driver in the median, I speed through my prayer life when mountains have appeared to move, yet hidden perils appear forcing me to the median or at least grinding to a halt. The closer I get to God and where He is leading, the greater the pull from either side.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 – NIV
Perseverance does not seem like joy and I tend to fail the testing of my faith, not only when facing a battle, but also when facing foes unseen.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 – NIV
Evils appear in the “winters” of our spiritual lives, yet in the midst of the cold, a Savior was born, Immanuel, God with us, angels appearing saying “fear not.” The Hope of the world was born that night and grew to be strong, to lead the way through hard winter days when our vision is obscured by the fog that lies before us.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 – NIV
Lord, lead me through the winters of my soul, clothe me in Your armor and help me to stand firm.
Amen …
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