Snow. Some people love it and some people definitely do
not. Although I could do without sub-zero weather and ice,
there are some things about winter that I can appreciate. I
see metaphors of my faith in all the seasons- things that
point to the truth of who God is and what God is doing in
our world and in our lives. As I look out the window now
and see the sunshine glistening and sparkling on the white
snow I appreciate the beauty of this season. It reminds me
of believers being white as snow, made righteous through
Christ. As the prophet Isaiah said, “Though your sins are
like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (1:18a). In the
beauty of the snowfall, and the radiant sheet of white
across the land, we can visualize how God covered over
our sin and we are justified. We are seen as righteous,
beautiful, and holy in God’s eyes.
The cold temperatures and snow-covered land makes it
look and feel as if nothing is happening beneath.
Everything looks dormant, and yet even in perceived
dormancy God is working. Creation is getting ready to
burst onto the scene in the spring with new life, offering the
full display of potential. As we are covered in God’s
righteousness, we also grow through the power of the Holy
Spirit and have new life. We burst forth in the fruit of the
Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Sometimes the
change within us and around us looks as if everything is
dormant, and that nothing is really happening. But know,
as people who are believers in Jesus Christ and committed
to following him, that no matter what God is working,
moving, and creating. The blanket of snow reminds us to
trust that God is doing that, even if we can’t see it or feel it.
The other day while I was in Pendleton there was a really
bad storm. The temperature was very low, the wind chill
much lower. Snow was coming down heavily, and
accumulating in mounds and drifts as it flew sideways by
the strong winds. Schools and organizations were closed,
and there was a travel ban because the roads were so
dangerous. The snow became so deep that we had to
shovel a path for my border collie, Dakota, to be able to go
outside. Her natural inclination is always to spend much
time running in the yard. But this time, when she finally was
able to make it out, she certainly didn’t linger! After
knowing that everyone was safe, it was actually exciting to
watch the snow. In some ways it offered an opportunity to
pause and wait and watch. The storm seemed like a visual
reminder that sometimes we all need to take time to pause
and wait until the storm is done, and watch for God in the
midst of it. God is with us in the storm. Pause, wait, and
watch.
Spring is coming. We know it! As believers we also know
that we are justified through Christ, made white as snow.
God is working in our lives, creating new life within us. We
are a new creation, and becoming the full potential of who
God created us to be. And when it is blustery, and the
storms are raging around us and within us, know that God
is with us. Pause, and take time with God. Wait, for the
leading of the Holy Spirit. Watch, for what God is doing.
May God continue to bless you in each and every season!
Peace,
Pastor Sherry
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