Winter is not my favorite:).

Sure, I love the blanket of glistening white snow on the ground, but I do not like to be cold. The environment comes to a standstill, hibernation takes place, the leafless trees look like dry sticks, and there seems to be nothing but barren land as far as the eye can see.

But…

Underneath all the icy flakes of snow, and below the hard, cold surface of the ground, that same barrenness is making room for new life. The earth gets replenished and the soil is restored in its rest. Fruit will one day reappear in mass volume because the vines and trees endured the time of cold stillness.

Friend, have you ever experienced a time when everything around you felt cold and lifeless? Have you discovered places in your heart that seem like they’ll never be revived? That your hopes and dreams will never really become reality? Me too.

So did Sarah.

Sarah was the wife of Abraham, and she had never been able to have a child. God promised Abraham and Sarah that Sarah would give birth to a son. Sarah…yes, ninety-year-old Sarah (who are we kidding- Abraham was very old too). It was almost laughable to Abraham. How can a woman of her age, who is barren, suddenly become pregnant? It was literally laughable to Sarah,

“She laughed to herself: “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I have delight?” (Genesis 18:12 CSB)

God’s reply: ” But The Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying” Can I really have a baby when I’m old?’ Is anything impossible for The Lord? At the appointed time I will come back to you, and in about a year, she will have a son.” (Genesis 18:13-14 CSB)

Nope, there is nothing impossible for our God. A year went by, and barren Sarah became blessed Sarah with new life inside of her ready to be born.

“The Lord came to Sarah as He had said, and The Lord did for Sarah what he had promised . Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time God had told him. ” (Genesis 21:1-2 CSB)

Appointed time. Necessary time.

Friend, the warmth of Spring may feel far off, but the very real presence of God is close at hand. How kind that Our God lovingly brings lifeless things back to life. He does. At the appointed time, He allows that which felt lost to be found, in the right moment He gives us the patience to endure our season with hope for that which He has promised. Underneath all barrenness we may see around us, the lifelessness of relationships and friendships we wish could be brought back to life, and beneath the cold hardened areas of our own human hearts, Our God is at work:

Restoring.

Replenishing.

Reviving.

Rebuilding.

That’s where we will find the warmth of life-eternal that we are longing for in a cold harsh season…in His presence.

Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we will remember today that You have a time and season and purpose for everything in this life. Every season we walk through with You brings us closer to the promises You’ve given us. Even when it looks like hope is lost, even when our hearts feel too hardened, even when our thoughts wage war- You are able to meet us in that very moment. Lord, we want to draw close to You. So with hands lifted in surrender, we choose today to praise You because You are faithful – no matter  what we find ourselves walking through. Lord, help us to make time to draw close to the warmth of Your presence when our hearts feel cold. Help us to have eyes to see that you are working through the experiences we are facing. Lord we declare life where there seems to be no life, hope where hope seems lost, and peace where peace is needed. Lord we place our trust in the truth of Your Word and in the joy we find only in Your presence. Thank You for the faithful love You give us, thank you for helping us wait while You are working beneath the surface of our lives. We love You Lord, Amen.

peace-liz:)

Go The Extra Mile: Check out the new song “Isaac” from Hollyn! Very fitting since we talked about Abraham & Sarah! This song has been an encouragement to me on more than one occasion and I pray it encourages you as well:).