Sermonette: In winter, God prepares us for what is to come

This time of year, snow covers the ground. Everything is white and beautiful, and the whole of nature seems to be in deep peace. If it’s not windy.

But I know what my yard looked like a couple months ago, that the white flakes have covered fallen brown leaves, withered grass and plants. It’s all there, but it won’t be seen now as long as winter lasts.

Winter is hard for me, my mood, my energy level, all of it. Without winter, spring and summer wouldn’t be what they are.

There are seasons in our lives too. And we often have difficulties in understanding why they are there. Why do we have to pass through winters with barren branches and frozen ground, times without flowers and fruit, without singing and joy? Why?

It’s good to learn from the way nature works, because we can better understand our Creator. Winter may seem a time of death, but what if we looked at it at a time of rest? Holy rest.

When harvest is over, the ground isn’t ready to bear new fruit immediately. It needs rest, and winter gives it time to do that.

Many of us get so easily caught up in a treadmill of producing all the time. “If I’m not living my Best Life Now, God won’t be satisfied with me,” we say. But God allows a winter season in our lives, to give us rest. He doesn’t expect us to bear fruit when it’s winter, and we would do well if we could learn not to expect fruit when we should be having a rest.

At the same time winter is preparation for new flowers and new fruit. Under the snow, in the unseen depths something is going on. It’s only on the surface that it looks like death. Under the surface life is active and stirring! Roots are filling up with nourishment, and buds are bracing themselves for spring. In late winter it only takes a sunny day, and you see how the buds begin to break forth! They were ready for it.

When you inwardly go through a time of winter, you may well withdraw from many expressions of life, but that doesn’t mean your spirit is dying. It only means that for a time you are resting, and preparing for a new season, a season of flowers and growth. God, in grace, takes you aside to prepare you for what is to come.

For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you.

He grants peace within your borders;he fills you with the finest of wheat.

He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.

He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes.

He hurls down hail like crumbs— who can stand before his cold?

He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow, and the waters flow. (Psalm 147:13-18)

Editor’s note: This piece was adapted from Goran Andersson’s “The Season of Winter” available at seedsofthekingdom.org.