Where I live it snowed for the fifth time this year this past Saturday. This snow has been much better then any previous snow we’ve had. You see winter in Kansas is like a moody teenager, one day its in the upper 50’s and then it drops to the 20’s. Winter is also a season that usually represents the end of something however what if winter was the preparation and beginning of something?
Winter is__________.
The day it snowed here in Overland park it was exactly 32 degrees fahrenheit. Why is that significant you might be wondering? Well at 33 degrees fahrenheit the massive snowfall would have been rain. God put the perfect temperature in place for a magical snowfall. What if the season in your life is a “winter” right now but not in the “ending of an era” kind of winter but a “start of something new” winter. Though this season is typically a very cold and “annoying” season for many, getting bitter about the bitter cold. What if we lack so that God can bless us. What if the blessing is going to be something we can’t even imagine? What if the one who creates looked down on you today preparing you for your perfectly 32 degree day?
Ok so the snow has fallen but 3 days later it is still here creating a beautiful wonderland. The trees are laden with snow. The once dead looking lifeless trees are bound by blankets of pure white snow. What a beautiful picture. Imagine with me these trees. Some of them have large branches broken off. This picture reminds me of John 15.
The True Vine
15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He[a]takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Typically when I imagine being a branch of the Jesus vine I see spring and flowers and all things filled with color. Yet we are called to abide in God in ALL seasons. Not all seasons of life are filled with color, that is the reality of being human. However this also brings me hope because He continues to prune me (whatever that may be) in every season of my life.
We have seen how the snow is a blessing and a pruning devise, I have one more analogy so stick with me. Have you ever been so stuck on a plan that you can’t see any alternative? What if God wants to show you His perfect purpose filled plan but your too distracted? He will cover it with snow and you will have to trust Him every step of the way. Faithfully God will guide!
Ultimately the snow is a blessing that God’s been preparing you for, a way He can prune back your life and a chance to faithfully fallow His lead. Like in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, “It’s just right”.
