Interestingly enough I saw a similar trend here on post. As the weather turned cold I noticed that many of our people became discouraged. The cold rain seemed to sneak into the offices and orderly rooms and steal the warmth that usually flows so freely in casual conversation. Many of the individuals I encountered seemed withdrawn or preoccupied with more than just their workload.

Is our faith so different? Often times our faith flourishes in seasons of hope and encouragement. When we are met with success and the appreciation of our peers and superiors we grow and share that warmth with others. But somehow when adversity strikes and our outlook becomes overcast with grief, pain or discouragement we too turn cold. The spark in our hearts begins to flicker and we look for ways to keep ourselves warm until the sun shines again.

What does it take for you to turn cold? What events in life have stolen your joy? Your peace? How long has it been since you have been warmed by the Son and witnessed the activity of God in your life?

There is a better way. As women and men of faith, we are called to set our course based on the unchanging nature of God which is not determined by the changing weather or the equally changing praise and affirmation of people. We have a responsibility to reflect the warmth of God’s presence with all whom we interact, and to be a living, breathing example of the grace of God. Galatians 6:8 states, ‘‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” In the midst of difficult times our faith and our hope are anchors for our souls. Our trust in God outweighs our circumstances and becomes an unending source of strength to persevere.

I know that it can be a struggle to carry on when the skies grow dark and life clouds over with anxieties and fears. As we approach each week let us be mindful that our condition is determined not by what goes on around us, but by the one who lives within us.