Like leaves on fall trees, the old must fall away for a time. It can feel naked and bare, exposed to all, but it’s in this vulnerability and season of bareness where all falls away . . . that change is made, truth becomes clear, perspectives shift, and healing occurs.
And then, when all feels overwhelming, unending, and exhausting – new signs of growth begin to gradually appear. . . small at first, fragile, tender and delicate – but present. Hope that’s felt deeply and almost tangible . . . foreshadowing growth and beauty is ahead.
Winter exposes the lies and sins gripping our hearts – slowly, silently strangling out the life and light within us. Like invasive vines creeping up the trunk of a tree. They aren’t seen in the summer but exposed in the nakedness of winter. It’s these winter times that expose how entangled we are. We can see more clearly the grip and growth that has causally, slowly and sneakily overtaken our hearts. It’s then God extends a gentle and perfect invitation to allow Him to enter our hearts so He can prune, cut away the invasive species gripping us and cut it off at the roots.
And then, slowly and reliably spring comes – new, colorful, and ordained growth brightens our lives in such a way that we can’t help but see the dead vines in contrast. No longer able to hide in our lives and hearts, but seen for what they were, what used to be – sucking life and strangling light out of us. God has cleaned it all up . . . fought for us . . . forgiven us.
And now, at the end of the season, the old barrenness become beautiful. The pruning and cutting away has left room for life and light in new areas that couldn’t be reached before. A fullness of spirit that has more room for the Glory of God and for His Spirit to dwell. What once seemed annoying, painful, inefficient, frustrating, and difficult has become my greatest treasure, most valuable gift, and epic adventure with God. What seemed impossible to endure and overcome has been done – with God.
The Whisper of God Blog 