Cold Winds Of Trouble

Cold Winds of Trouble

God’s breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water.

Job 37:10

The news hit me like pellets of hail from the gray sky outside. Bad news about the health of a family member numbed me. Even though the sun still shone outside the window, the world around me felt faded, chilled. Lord, why did You let this happen?

Like everyone else, the Amish face hardship. Accidents happen, children stray, a life is cut short. Yet as trials hit, the Amish, in spite of their pain, find the strength to offer a difficult but simple prayer: “Thy will be done.” They wouldn’t think of questioning God—how prideful that would be!

Accepting the pain this world brings is hard at times. Our souls are made for eternity and long for the “no more tears” that heaven promises. Yet having faith in God means trusting Him in the hard moments of life—through the pain that numbs us and the hardships that make us lose sight of the good gifts God gives us. The truth is, we need God’s light most during those dark days.

Second Corinthians 4:6 says, “God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.”

What season is it in your heart today? If cold winds of trouble blow around you, can you still feel a hint of warmth as you worship God and read His Word? Consider God’s light shining in the darkness. Picture the “glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” The truth is, we may always love Jesus—even on the bright days—but we see Him in a new way when He shines brightly in the darkness of difficulty.

The sun will emerge again in God’s proper time. Until then, draw near to God, and continue to seek Him no matter what season of life you’re in.

Heavenly Father, it’s winter not only outside my window but also, in some ways, deep in my heart. I desire to draw near to You. Give me the willingness to do so. Help me to see Your glory in the face of Jesus, and warm my heart with Your presence. Amen.