A Snowy Day's Reflections

As I looked out my window today, and watched the snowflakes dance around in the breeze, I began thinking about faith. Faith...it is an obscure idea to me at times. I know that doesn’t sound like the thoughts of a deeply entrenched Christian. I am, but even in this solid walk with Jesus, I sometimes find myself wondering: Does God really hear my prayers? Is there really a heaven with golden streets and no more pain? It is April here in Idaho, and it is snowing. This makes no sense to me. April is the month of budding green grass and blossom on flowers. But not this year, it is a place stuck in the winter season. That is what prompted my thinking about faith. Sometimes things are not what we believe they should be. People die unexpectedly, human conditions are severe, leaders do unconscionable things, and justice appears to be only a pipe dream. It is in the moments I look up and think “God do you see all of this?” Hoping and praying He will right the wrongs of this world. These moments are temporary, but very real. Just when I think it can’t get any worst, God sends a reminder. It can come as an unexpected healing, good news about a job opportunity, or a sweet note from a friend. Or best of all, an event that brings someone to the feet of Jesus. Just like the snowflakes flitting by my window, I know deep in my soul that spring will come, and that God is here. He just doesn’t work in my timing, most often, not. I have learned that even on those days when I wonder if God is really there, He gently lifts my eyes to Him and reveals Himself. God’s silence is not His way of ignoring us but of growing us. I may not always understand why God does what He does, or why He sometimes seems absent from a crisis. But I know, that I know, that I know…. God is. The scripture in Isaiah 55:9 describes this accurately; “For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” And in the book of Amos (4:13), the profit could see clearly what I often fail to see; “For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals His thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The Lord God of Heaven’s Armies is His name!” Right now, I lift my eyes to see God through the white ceiling on our home because of the cold weather. But I know that spring is coming and I will be able to lie on the green grass, breath in the fresh air, and look to the blue skies of heaven to see Him. God is always faithful. I don’t know if you’re looking out your window at a blanket of white snow or fanning yourself in the heat. I don’t know if you may be doubting God today, or boldly singing His praises. But please know dear friend you are not alone – this is your season. I encourage you to lay it at His feet, for His mercies truly are new every day. With much wintery love, Lonna