When the Sun Breaks Through..

WINTER.

When you see that word, what do you think of? Maybe you think of snow, hot chocolate, Christmas, or school break? 

The city I live in is one that has many cloudy and not so sunny days. Especially now that it's winter. Sometimes I find all these cloudy, cold days a bit gloomy. I long to see the rays of the sun beaming through the blinds of my windows.

Lately I've been realizing that winter is more than just a cold, darker time. It's what precedes the brighter time, the spring and forthcoming warmth of summer. It takes winter to reach summer. Ironic as it is, I would say symbolically I am in somewhat of a "winter" kind of season, in regards to my spiritual life. Not that I am dead or my spiritual life is pathetic. I mean it in the sense that I am waiting for the warmth of summer, I am waiting for that light. 

Many days I feel I am in some form of darkness in my winter, trying to be patient on God and His timing for when summer will come. 

Today I was driving home from church and though it was cold, the sun was shining. While coldness was present, the sun was breaking through too and its warmth was right on the tip of my skin. 

It reminded me of the reward which the warmth of the sun and summer in general give.

I took this today. :)

So while I'm in my own winter and days can be cloudy and cold, there are gaps and holes forming to where the sun is breaking through, and through these gaps, I am warmed by the love of God and with His everlasting hope that He continually gives to me! 

I have never been the biggest fan of winter, but slowly I am realizing that if it weren't for winter, I wouldn't appreciate summer as much. The same goes for where I'm at in life right now... The "winter" I am experiencing isn't always the most pleasant, but I do have a growing hope for the days of summer and when the sun breaks through! Through this winter, God can prune away the dead parts of me and when "summer" comes, I will be fully colored, blooming and alive! 

My Challenge to you: If you're going through "winter" currently, praise God. There is good reason for His putting you through its process. It will form in you a stronger and deeper love for Christ, along with a firmer walk with Him (if you let it). Be on the look out for what God is trying to teach you.  

If currently you're not in a "winter", praise God as well! If winter ever comes upon you, never view it as a negative thing. Consider it a blessing in which God is raising you up to be a strengthened follower of Him! :)

"It is when the death of winter has done its work that the sun can draw out in each plant its own individuality, and make its existence full and fragrant. Spiritual growth means something more than the sweeping away of the old leaves of sin--it means the life of the Lord Jesus developed in us." 

-Elisabeth Elliot

A Path Through Suffering (35)