Winter’s Purpose
By Pastor Rachel White
Pastor of Alpha & Lifegroups
As a flower grower I’m very aware of the changing of the seasons. The winter is, practically speaking, a time for the garden to rest. It is a time for the gardener to plan, even though everything on the surface looks, well, dead. It’s not a very fruitful or beautiful time! But the Bible says every season is beautiful in its own way; “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has put eternity into man’s heart…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Every season has purpose, and God uses every circumstance to draw us closer to him. In Romans 8:28 we read “for those who love God all things work together for good.” Even the dark, miserable, dead-looking days have purpose in God’s economy.
I struggle more with sadness and negativity in the dark winter months than any other time of year. I have to choose to be intentionally productive with my time, be deliberate about connecting with people, and get outdoors and seek sunlight whenever possible!
To be honest, this isn’t my favorite time of year, but Spring is coming. The seeds are sprouting, the bulbs are starting to emerge. There is hope and a good future ahead. I’m choosing to fix my eyes on him and all that is good in my life, meditating on all that is “true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8)
What are your tips for surviving the northwest winter months? What Biblical wisdom do you find yourself drawing on in this season? I’d love to hear and learn from you. Contact me!
Pastor Rachel