Winter is not my favorite. It is my least favorite. The conditions are unfavorable and the scenery is mostly unappealing to me. One beautiful-winter-wonderland snow fall is about enough for me! I am so ready for spring, for when what has been deadened and dormant - slowly but surely - springs to life!
Sprouts and buds. Bird nests. Butterfly cocoons. The sound of rain. The smell of lavender. Sigh. 💗
I am one of those people who tends to be cold and intolerable of even mild cold. Perhaps being born in the heat of summer has something to do with my preference for warm weather and sunlight. Even though I don't prefer the dark and cold of winter, it produces in me longing, perseverance and a greater appreciation for the light and warmth of summer. Anticipation creates appreciation. Although I don't have a high tolerance for the painful cold, I actually have a high tolerance for other types of pain. Because I know, just as you probably know too, that without pain (or suffering of some kind) there is no growth, no new growth, no new birth, no new life. Just dormancy.
Dormancy is the state of being... dormant...
So, while I don't prefer wintry dormancy, I realize there is a planned period of time and purpose for it. Dormancy, for living and growing things, is not intended to remain permanent. Instead, it lasts for a designated season, for a beneficial reason. We can't know for sure how long each and every dormant season will last, but there does come a favorable, or suitable, or appointed time - slowly but surely - when the time is appropriate, when the time finally comes, at just the right time.
In a season of dormancy, it's easy to be deceived, discouraged or quick to judge by externals. Just because nothing appears to be happening on the outside doesn't mean there isn't something unseen happening on the inside, or an unseen influence happening outside, or something on the way -or- someone on their way. In the making. Still, even with this knowledge, it's easy to grow weary in the waiting.
I am reminded of one of my favorite stories. I have many favorites, but this one stands out to me, especially this time of year. It goes something like this. A certain man, a friend of Jesus, the one whom Jesus loves, was sick. Jesus truly loved this man and his two sisters, yet He did not go to them right away. This sickness, He said, will not end in death, but it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it. Jesus stayed where He was for 2 more days. 2 more days. When it was time to go back, this meant going back to the place where a hostile group tried to stone Jesus just a short while ago. His disciples thought it was too risky to go back there, but they went with Jesus knowing they too could die. One man's life was fading away by sickness, while another man's life was being threatened by stones. Two sisters were falling into deep sorrow, while twelve disciples would, unknown yet to them, soon experience the same.
Upon arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for 4 days. 4 long days. Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? The two sisters were grieving and questioning why Jesus didn't come sooner - if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Where were you? Why are you late? Why were you dormant? It didn't make sense. Having two brothers myself, I can imagine their pain. As upset as they must have been, they trusted Jesus still and believed in His promises. He told why, why He waited - so that you would see the glory of God. The sorrowful sting and unpleasant stench of death had fully set in by now; however, this death was not final to Jesus, nor to Lazarus, nor to any of us whosoever believes... O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting... Stand firm. Let nothing move you, except the mountain-moving words of Jesus Christ:
The tomb of Lazarus was a cave with a stone laid across it. I imagine the appearance of it was deeply troubling and a painful foreshadowing to Jesus of the tomb He would soon be laid in, on top of the scorn, sin, and shame that would be laid upon Him, layered with the perception that God was dormant, that He had forsaken and failed us, that if God had been there, that if He were God then He would save Himself and save us from this misery, that God was late, that all was lost, that Light had lost and darkness had won, that death is final, that spring has fooled us, that spring time has not and will not come, that winter will be not just a dormancy, but an eternity, and that summer is only a dream. We had hoped that He was the one...
Sprouts and buds. Bird nests. Butterfly cocoons. The sound of rain. The smell of lavender. Sigh. 💗
As much as I anticipate and appreciate spring, it is not my favorite either. It's like a frustrating and funneling gateway to my favorite season - summer of course! Summer tends to be more steadily lively, sunshiny and scenic, whereas spring can tease and waver. I used to say, like many other Ohioans, that fall was my favorite, but I was just going along with the majority and not really thinking for myself. As beautiful and refreshing as fall can be, and as much as I enjoy wearing comfy jeans or leggings, it just leads right back into winter blah and barrenness - again and again and again.
I am one of those people who tends to be cold and intolerable of even mild cold. Perhaps being born in the heat of summer has something to do with my preference for warm weather and sunlight. Even though I don't prefer the dark and cold of winter, it produces in me longing, perseverance and a greater appreciation for the light and warmth of summer. Anticipation creates appreciation. Although I don't have a high tolerance for the painful cold, I actually have a high tolerance for other types of pain. Because I know, just as you probably know too, that without pain (or suffering of some kind) there is no growth, no new growth, no new birth, no new life. Just dormancy.
Dormancy is the state of being... dormant...
a suspension or slowing down in growth and development to survive unfavorable conditions until a suitable time comes to resume growth; alive but not actively growing; appearing to be in a deep sleep or hibernation; temporarily inactive but retaining the ability to become active and lively again
So, while I don't prefer wintry dormancy, I realize there is a planned period of time and purpose for it. Dormancy, for living and growing things, is not intended to remain permanent. Instead, it lasts for a designated season, for a beneficial reason. We can't know for sure how long each and every dormant season will last, but there does come a favorable, or suitable, or appointed time - slowly but surely - when the time is appropriate, when the time finally comes, at just the right time.
I am reminded of one of my favorite stories. I have many favorites, but this one stands out to me, especially this time of year. It goes something like this. A certain man, a friend of Jesus, the one whom Jesus loves, was sick. Jesus truly loved this man and his two sisters, yet He did not go to them right away. This sickness, He said, will not end in death, but it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it. Jesus stayed where He was for 2 more days. 2 more days. When it was time to go back, this meant going back to the place where a hostile group tried to stone Jesus just a short while ago. His disciples thought it was too risky to go back there, but they went with Jesus knowing they too could die. One man's life was fading away by sickness, while another man's life was being threatened by stones. Two sisters were falling into deep sorrow, while twelve disciples would, unknown yet to them, soon experience the same.
Upon arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for 4 days. 4 long days. Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? The two sisters were grieving and questioning why Jesus didn't come sooner - if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Where were you? Why are you late? Why were you dormant? It didn't make sense. Having two brothers myself, I can imagine their pain. As upset as they must have been, they trusted Jesus still and believed in His promises. He told why, why He waited - so that you would see the glory of God. The sorrowful sting and unpleasant stench of death had fully set in by now; however, this death was not final to Jesus, nor to Lazarus, nor to any of us whosoever believes... O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting... Stand firm. Let nothing move you, except the mountain-moving words of Jesus Christ:
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?
The tomb of Lazarus was a cave with a stone laid across it. I imagine the appearance of it was deeply troubling and a painful foreshadowing to Jesus of the tomb He would soon be laid in, on top of the scorn, sin, and shame that would be laid upon Him, layered with the perception that God was dormant, that He had forsaken and failed us, that if God had been there, that if He were God then He would save Himself and save us from this misery, that God was late, that all was lost, that Light had lost and darkness had won, that death is final, that spring has fooled us, that spring time has not and will not come, that winter will be not just a dormancy, but an eternity, and that summer is only a dream. We had hoped that He was the one...
When all seemed hopeless, a light shone in the darkness as a loud voice called, Lazarus, come out!
Out from the tomb he came, and out from the tight grave clothes he emerged, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon! Many who had seen or heard what Jesus did, put their faith in Him. Lazarus arose when Jesus spoke a mighty word. A miraculous sign foreshadowing the ultimate victory that came when a little while later, Jesus, once dead, arose on the third day when God worked a mighty feat by exerting His great and vast and dynamic power - conquering over the power of sin and death! It is finished.
Indeed, Jesus was not late with Lazarus and God the Father did not forsake Jesus. In the same way, God is not delayed with us and neither has He forsaken us. He has shown His great love for us and shown Himself trustworthy and true. Spring has not fooled us after all. Summer is not only a dream, but a present living hope that springs us to new life and streams from an unfailing love and precious faith. Many today put their faith in Jesus after seeing or hearing about a life that has been truly changed, as if risen from the dead and clothed anew. Those truly changed people, who are still in the making, are numbered among a messy and unpleasant crowd, but they do exist. Like lilies among thorns. Like stars in the sky.
There is a time to grieve, and a time to throw off the old grave clothes. Sorrow may last for a night, and that night can seem like forever, but it doesn't have to be our forever when we put our faith in God who has promised us that summer will come. He has proven this to us by the resurrection of His Son. God is not slow, as some understand slowness, delay or tardiness. He is patient. He is kind. He suffers long. He has a high tolerance, higher than we can imagine. He waits. He longs. He wants for all to turn to Him - to receive Him and the redemptive life He offers. He sees what we cannot yet see. He knows what we do not yet know. His thoughts and ways are above ours. He knows the intended purpose and appropriate time. Speaking of time... time is a funny thing. 3 hours can feel like 3 years. 3 years can feel like 3 days. 3 days can feel like a lifetime. A lifetime is like a vapor - a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Truth is, as it is evident all around us, things here are passing away and fading - from year after year and from life to death, until we arrive at our eternal destination. Holding on to what will stand forever and remain unshaken, to what is immortal and imperishable, is the only thing that sustains me and provides a deeply rooted steadiness, security and solace. This is hope. Hope that does not disappoint.
There is a time to remain underground, and a time to sprout. A time to hide behind a covering, and a time to break through the shell. A time to morph within a cocoon, and a time to emerge. A time to condense and dance as a tiny droplet, and a time to drop from the cloud with a refreshing sound. A time to stay in a bud, and a time to blossom with a fragrant aroma. A time for dormancy, and a time to awaken from slumber and come alive once more. To be born, or reborn. And a time to pass away and forever perish -or- a time to pass anew and live forever in paradise.
As for me, I choose hope. I choose Jesus who is the creator of light, the giver of life, and the gateway to God the Father and eternal "summer" where there will be no more darkness, no more death, no mourning or crying or pain, when the old order of things has passed away, and the new has come to remain. It is my wish for you to be there in paradise with us, along with fellow brothers and sisters from around the world, with all who have believed and longed for Him, as He longs for us.
Until that day...
Until that day... faithful abiding, joyful anticipation, a dance in the rain, and a song of praise go a long way!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfzpfqrPUDo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHz0w-HG4iU
Those truly changed people, in the making, ought to live such good lives of love so that the world may see our good deeds and come to glorify God - to Him be the glory!
Grace and Peace ~
SS
Some scripture references: John 3; John 11-20; Psalm 22:24-31; Ephesians 1-2; Romans 5; 1John 4:9-18; 1Corinthians 15; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11; 2Peter 3; James 5; Isaiah 35; Revelation 21-22
Out from the tomb he came, and out from the tight grave clothes he emerged, like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon! Many who had seen or heard what Jesus did, put their faith in Him. Lazarus arose when Jesus spoke a mighty word. A miraculous sign foreshadowing the ultimate victory that came when a little while later, Jesus, once dead, arose on the third day when God worked a mighty feat by exerting His great and vast and dynamic power - conquering over the power of sin and death! It is finished.
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can spring us to new life, dwell in us, and morph the deadened and dormant places within - slowly but surely - into something beautiful. For it is He who makes a new creation out of dust and causes a fragrant aroma to arise from the ashes. It is He who gave up His life so that we could share in His life. It is He who promised to be with us always, to the very end of the age. And with us, He is. He is here by the Spirit He sent, and here by the Spirit at work in and among and through those who believe and abide in the love of Jesus Christ.
Indeed, Jesus was not late with Lazarus and God the Father did not forsake Jesus. In the same way, God is not delayed with us and neither has He forsaken us. He has shown His great love for us and shown Himself trustworthy and true. Spring has not fooled us after all. Summer is not only a dream, but a present living hope that springs us to new life and streams from an unfailing love and precious faith. Many today put their faith in Jesus after seeing or hearing about a life that has been truly changed, as if risen from the dead and clothed anew. Those truly changed people, who are still in the making, are numbered among a messy and unpleasant crowd, but they do exist. Like lilies among thorns. Like stars in the sky.
There is a time to grieve, and a time to throw off the old grave clothes. Sorrow may last for a night, and that night can seem like forever, but it doesn't have to be our forever when we put our faith in God who has promised us that summer will come. He has proven this to us by the resurrection of His Son. God is not slow, as some understand slowness, delay or tardiness. He is patient. He is kind. He suffers long. He has a high tolerance, higher than we can imagine. He waits. He longs. He wants for all to turn to Him - to receive Him and the redemptive life He offers. He sees what we cannot yet see. He knows what we do not yet know. His thoughts and ways are above ours. He knows the intended purpose and appropriate time. Speaking of time... time is a funny thing. 3 hours can feel like 3 years. 3 years can feel like 3 days. 3 days can feel like a lifetime. A lifetime is like a vapor - a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Truth is, as it is evident all around us, things here are passing away and fading - from year after year and from life to death, until we arrive at our eternal destination. Holding on to what will stand forever and remain unshaken, to what is immortal and imperishable, is the only thing that sustains me and provides a deeply rooted steadiness, security and solace. This is hope. Hope that does not disappoint.
All men are like grass, and all their glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God stands forever.
There is a time to remain underground, and a time to sprout. A time to hide behind a covering, and a time to break through the shell. A time to morph within a cocoon, and a time to emerge. A time to condense and dance as a tiny droplet, and a time to drop from the cloud with a refreshing sound. A time to stay in a bud, and a time to blossom with a fragrant aroma. A time for dormancy, and a time to awaken from slumber and come alive once more. To be born, or reborn. And a time to pass away and forever perish -or- a time to pass anew and live forever in paradise.
As for me, I choose hope. I choose Jesus who is the creator of light, the giver of life, and the gateway to God the Father and eternal "summer" where there will be no more darkness, no more death, no mourning or crying or pain, when the old order of things has passed away, and the new has come to remain. It is my wish for you to be there in paradise with us, along with fellow brothers and sisters from around the world, with all who have believed and longed for Him, as He longs for us.
Until that day...
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith - the salvation of your souls... it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ... He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God... You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1Peter 1
Until that day... faithful abiding, joyful anticipation, a dance in the rain, and a song of praise go a long way!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfzpfqrPUDo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHz0w-HG4iU
Those truly changed people, in the making, ought to live such good lives of love so that the world may see our good deeds and come to glorify God - to Him be the glory!
Grace and Peace ~
SS
Some scripture references: John 3; John 11-20; Psalm 22:24-31; Ephesians 1-2; Romans 5; 1John 4:9-18; 1Corinthians 15; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-11; 2Peter 3; James 5; Isaiah 35; Revelation 21-22
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