Spring is in the air

Over the last week, I have watched the snow slowly disappear from my yard. The temperatures have risen and winter has melted away. And as winter begins its transition into spring, things begin to change.

Birds chirp. Green emerges from the ground. People seem to have an extra spring in their step.

There is something about new life that feels right to us. It brings hope and refreshment.

The seasons of nature remind us of the seasons of life. We all experience times of winter in our lives.

Death.

Divorce.

Debt.

Depression.

Disaster.

The list is endless, but almost all of us can relate to something on the list. We have all gone through those seasons of cold and darkness.

God never promised that we wouldn't go through winter; God did promise spring.

I can handle the cold of winter, because I know that the spring thaw is coming. In spite of the ice, short days, and need for heavy coats, there will be a day when I can wear shorts and enjoy longer, warmer, sunny days.

We can endure seasons of difficulty because they won't last forever. It does't mean we won't feel down and discouraged at times. But, Jesus promises us that even in the midst of death, there is the promise of new life. Paul said it this way...

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:3-4 NIV)

The resurrection promises new life. Renewal. Restart. Rescue.

Paul reminds us that, "he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14 NIV)

We have all had moments of darkness, times when we felt as though we were in a pit of cold and dispair. But into that pit reaches a hand offering help. A Son bringing warmth and light.

Spring is in the air in northern Ohio, but it may not be in the air of your life. When your life feels like the middle of a bitter, cold winter, Christ offers an opportunity for renewal.

The journey may not be easy and the path may not be clear, but Christ calls out to us, "follow me." If we take his hand and follow his lead, Christ will guide us to a place of hope and new life.

shine!

Jason