It’s 2 below zero outside and the cold seems to instantly freeze one’s breath the minute you exhale. Scientists tell us that the bitter cold is healthy because it kills off all the germs and viruses that like to flourish in warmer weather. In fact, if we end up with a mild winter, then those who suffer with allergies have a harder time in the spring, because winter’s cold just didn’t get cold enough to do the job adequately. And so I am thankful for the cold, even though it makes me uncomfortable as I wait for my car to warm up, or as I pull my scarf around my face tighter as I walk into the grocery store. Winter’s Purpose, for all its bad rap, does its job well.

 

Winter’s Purpose In Our Lives

But what of the frigid seasons that come into our lives? The crises? The 3am calls that a loved one has been injured… or is dead? Do we recognize that these are allowed – perhaps even sent by the Almighty to kill off the germs of our heart?

Sometimes crises comes because of our disobedience.

“Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Timothy 1:20)

 

Sometimes, crises comes to grow us for the kingdom, as was the case with the Apostle Paul.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

 

And sometimes crises comes because it’s just our turn for the trials and challenges that occur naturally from living in a fallen world… or that the Lord may know what’s in our heart.

One of my favorite passages of scripture is in Genesis 22 where God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Look what God says to Abraham in verse 12:

“And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for Now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.”

God said, “Now I know…”

After putting Abraham through perhaps the most difficult season of his life, Winter’s Purpose, had it’s way in Abraham. He passed the test! Winter’s Purpose in Abraham was to warm his heart. To test it. To see if he really, truly, loved God enough to do all that God asked of him – no questions asked.

And Winter’s Purpose will have its way in you my precious reader – if you will trust that God’s intentions for you are always good. Allow your heart to be warmed by God’s many, many promises of blessings and provisions. Promises such as, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” And “All things work together for the good for those who love the Lord,…”

And know that I will be praying for you, that whatever you may be going through right now, that the God of peace will send his mighty comforting hand to envelope you and strengthen you.

 

Your Turn

What has Winter’s Purpose been in your life? Share your story with others that we all might find encouragement.