Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

May 2, 2005

"Spring Has Sprung"

by

Gladys DeMichael

Spring is, indeed, a welcome sight to those of us who live in the four seasons region of this country. Winter, with its short days, long nights, gusty winds, crusty snow and hazardous ice is always followed by an uplifting sight.

Trees begin to bud, tulips, crocus and daffodils pop up through the thawing ground and the fat red robin sings a song of spring, perched on a remaining snow pile or bird feeder. Spring! What a fabulous season of the year.

Spiritual winters come to all of us. John Gowans penned a meaningful verse of witness: "Out of my darkness, He called me, out of my doubt, my despair, out of the waste of my winter, into the spring of His care." (Read: Romans 5:1-4) These verses remind us that winter troubles can develop passionate patience in us.

Phillips translates this portion, "this, in turn, will develop a mature character, and a character of this sort produces a steady hope, a hope that will never disappoint us."

God allows the winters, but His grace provides the spiritual spring times as He generously pours into our lives through His Holy Spirit, more of Himself, helping us to become all He designed us to be. Looking back, the winters may not have been a waste at all!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the winters of my life.

Spiritual truths were best learned then.

You know how much I prefer spring.

You also know what's best for me.

Today, my hope rests in your never-changing grace.

Amen

Editors Note:  The following devotional was written for 'heart preparation' for the women attending a 'Journey in Grace' Women's Conference in 1998.