Glory of the Winter Trees (Part 1)

READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-18; 12:8-10; HEBREWS 4:14-16; 12:1-3

Sharp and sheer,

Against the white-washed sky,

Winter trees stand stark and frozen—

Not a leaf to greet the eye.

Thick and thin,

Limbs lifted to the wind,

Shining in the morning sun,

Side by side they stand.

Crisp and clear,

Awash in winter’s glory,

Patiently they wait, watching—

Certain of the coming spring.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to “wish away the winter.” But one cold morning God grabbed my attention as I rode by a small grove of trees— sparkling like slender diamonds in the sun, their naked limbs coated in icy frost. As I paused to soak in this unexpected beauty, I was hit by a soft twinge of conviction.

Something about those trees got to me. There they stood—barren and leafless— yet beautifully reflecting God’s creative glory. The whole scenario reminded me of another kind of beauty described in Scripture—that of the soul.

Like the winter trees, we may find that God sometimes works through harsh winters in our lives, helping us mature and reflect the beauty of Christ in unexpected ways. And though some winters seem to drag on way too long, we can be sure that God will redeem our sorrows. For Jesus goes before us in facing hardship (Hebrews 4:15). And in His grace, God gives us “endurance and encouragement” (Romans 15:5). Thus, the strength to endure hard times is not something we have to dredge up by our own will power! So let’s pray for the grace to receive this endurance, so that even in our barren seasons we may, like the winter trees, be found glorifying “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6). • G. Kam Congleton

• Can you think of a time God gave you endurance and encouragement through a difficult season of your life? What was that like? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)