Recovery

 “Winter is a season of recovery and preparation.” (Paul Theroux)

Today’s guest blogger, Laura Burkhardt, is a former co-worker of mine, friend, and member of ENCOURAGE ME. I know you will appreciate what she has to say:

 “As winter lingers on, we think of the future. We know that spring will inevitably, come, but the wait can be torturous. Regardless; we have faith that it will happen. There are times when winter can enter the soul as well.

 Emotions like sadness, hardships, and tragedy can emotionally and spiritually "snow us in" until we feel like giving up on all that is meaningful to us.  Sadly It's during these difficult times that we can forget God (or become angry).While He always gives us answers, He doesn't always answer in the way we would like.  

It's hard to remember that even in winter, God is preparing for spring.  We need to be patient.  We must remain faithful to Him.  It's easier sometimes to have faith in the return of spring than in the return of God.  The fact remains that He is with us during our spiritual winters. He will bring new life. We just need to be patient.”

Laura expresses so eloquently what I have felt numerous times throughout my life. We have all had times in our life where nothing seems to be going right (the harshness of winter). God seems to be not listening to any of your prayers.  Could our feelings be wrong? I have always discovered that during rough times in my life, God is preparing me for greater service in His kingdom (the hope of spring).

All I have to do is trust just a bit longer before His will in revealed in my life. I agree with what Edward Bouverie Pusey said: “God does not take away trials (or carry us over them), but strengthens us through them.” Your heavenly Father cherishes you. He knows exactly the life experiences (painful and pleasurable) that are going make you into the best version of yourself He needs you to be. Can (and will) you trust Him completely?