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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Winter (11/14/05)
Winter’s Glistening Effects

In Ohio, winter is a long season full of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Bears and trees hibernate, but we must go about our daily routines. We pull out our winter coats, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves. We prepare our cars for winter with new antifreeze and new tires. We run the furnace to stay warm and light fireplaces for extra heat. We use heating blankets for nighttime warmth. We enjoy soup and chili on a regular basis. Winter is just beginning and we wonder if it will ever end.

In Genesis, God tells us: “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease" (Genesis 8:21-23, NIV). We cling to the belief that winter will end and spring will arrive. As each year passes, we see the changing of seasons. In contrast, God never changes and is ever faithful to us.

Psalm 33:4-6 nicely sums this up: “For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (NIV).

Consider how God never changes! His amazing love for us never ceases. In fact, God planted a seed in each of us long before we were born, a seed by which we begin to seek Him. God “created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb” (Psalm 139:13 NIV).

In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (NIV). In Hosea 10:12, we are told to “sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD” (NIV).

This winter, we have a perfect opportunity to renew our commitment to God. Daily, let us set aside time to break up our own unplowed ground by delving into God’s word, the Bible, and rediscovering our zeal for Him. As we study the Word of God, we will learn (among other things) that “He changes times and seasons. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning” (Daniel 2:21, NIV). Wisdom and knowledge are so readily available from our God; we just need to ask Him for them. As God reveals Himself, we can reap the benefits of His unfailing love. We can use this knowledge to look ahead to spring, casting off the burdens of winter.

Imagine the glistening of winter snows on a sunny day. Like that snow, we can glisten for God. We can become a lustrous reflection of His unchanging love as we allow Him to “remove the dross from the silver” (Proverbs 25:4 NIV). Let us allow the silversmith (God) to refine us for the next season of our life.

This winter will become just another memory when springtime arrives, but we will be better prepared to face life’s challenges when we have hidden God’s word in our hearts. We can trust that God will always be with us, guiding and leading us. Each season we pass through is one more season closer to spending eternity in the presence of the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

No matter the season, we can enjoy a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, "who is, and who was, and who is to come " (Rev. 1:8, NIV) Now is not too late to choose Jesus as your personal Savior. Speak to Him and listen for His answer. Psalm 46:10a commands us to "Be still, and know that I am God " (NIV). Often, it is only in the stillness that we hear His voice.

As we absorb God’s word, we will “be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2a, NIV). We will learn that, unlike the changing of seasons, God never changes. Cling to that belief and ask Him into your life now. You will never regret giving your heart to the Creator, the King of all. While seated on His throne, Jesus says: "I am making everything new! Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true" (Rev 21:5, NIV).

Winter will pass and spring will arrive. Will you be ready to bloom for Christ?
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 1343 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
11/21/05
Nice expository writing. Thank you!
Nina Phillips
11/21/05
Title is really attractive and enjoyed reading your story! Thank you for sharing.
God bless ya, littlelight
Sandra Petersen
11/22/05
Your first paragraph is a nice introduction. That's what winter preparation is like in northern Minnesota, too. Three phrases that really "glistened" for me: "God planted a seed in each of us long before we were born, a seed by which we begin to seek Him", "the glistening of winter snows on a sunny day" (I can just see that in my mind's eye), "we can glisten for God". Thanks for the encouragement.
Marilyn Schnepp 
11/22/05
This was straight from the pulpit. A preaching Service...which was very good; but I was looking for something to enjoy, relax or to touch my inner being. Nice job and could be from a pastor...(smile)
Helen Harris
11/26/05
“Each season we pass through is one more season closer to spending eternity in the presence of the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)” Amen.
A Wonderful Scriptural message. Thank you. God Bless, Helen
Jacquelyn Horne
07/18/07
Wonderful first challenge entry. Very good advice here.