This
picture caught my eye this morning because of its beauty!!! For many
in the U.S., I imagine that the cold and snow has become wearisome to
even think about. So, what is the importance of winter, anyway- is their
anything GOOD that comes of it? And how does it relate to suffering?
Just a few thoughts from Paul's second letter to young Timothy, the
evangelist...
2 Timothy, Chapter 3
10 But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 11 persecutions,
and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium,
and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of
them all. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Winter
is a time of hardship. And nobody likes hardship, do they? Yet,
without winter, could we ever really appreciate a warm Spring day, or
for that matter, a relaxing day at the beach in late July? The hard
times help us to appreciate the good ones (when they finally come). For
Christians, persecution is like the season of winter, for it reminds us
of a better reward in the next life. And the hardships we endure in
this life will give encouragement to others who also will face
opposition. And there will be opposition- remember verse 12 above???
And, one more thing- the persecution you will face as a Christian, is in
fact an opportunity to show the beauty of your love for God. Unlike the
snow in the picture, that love never has to melt and can actually
endure forever!!!!
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