It’s Unseasonably Warm
Well, we live in Minnesota. It was subzero for many days in a row just days ago, and now it is like Spring! When seasons are like this, we get mixed up a bit with just how to prepare for the day. Do we wear heavy coats because of a below zero wind chill, or do we wear rubber boots for all the unfrozen puddles we will face as we cross a street?
It is like that in our spiritual lives too, isn’t it. We are just coming down from Christmas time, yes, it’s only been 2 months since Christmas… but we are at the mountain top then as Christians because it is when our Savior was born. There is so much relevance during that time because people make accommodations for it – because its Christmas!
After Christmas, we see Easter on the horizon. It too is a major event in the church because it reminds us of our Saviors sacrifice. It is the single most attended church day for any church, any denomination – across America and the world.
But what about this “in-between” time? This period when we might get mixed up a bit about how cold it is, or how warm it might be?
The Bible is very clear on how we are to address a “lull” in our ministerial pursuits. In fact, we are warned to remain alert and vigilant.
Revelation 3:2 NIV Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.
We are called to pray and stay strong against complacency that may weaken our walk with the Lord.
Then there are periods when we feel we are stagnated or quite discouraged in not only our walk with the Lord, but our daily lives. The Bible encourages us during these periods as well.
Galatians 6:9 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
This reminds us that even when we feel discouraged, we can and should continue to serve faithfully and always trusting God in His work in us. We also need to focus or renew our focus on God’s calling for following Him and staying the course.
In the gospels, Jesus warns against the distractions that can hinder not only our ministry but our own personal growth.
Luke 8:14 NIV The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
And in Ephesians we are again taught that we must stand firm against spiritual battles, even when we don’t always feel strong, or we are going through a very challenging time.
Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
So, in this time of a “lull” or “in-between” time, we need to remember that He is still asking us to stay the course. Let us be love to one another, let us be peace to one another, let us be mercy to one another, and let us be joyful to one another, because our Savior wants us too.
I believe we can do it, if we try.
Peace,
PTV