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“Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.” I Kings 17:24 (NIV)

Woke the other morning to the sweet sound of robins and my soul is thirsty for warm. It’s the moment I live for – the exit of Winter and the birthing of sunshine. And just when we thought it was Spring, snow blanketed my green grass. Covered up my sweet buttercups peeking out from underneath cold. Coats, scarves, gloves and boots revisited just when I was ready to pack them up. Shouldn’t catch me unaware, surprised and just plain disappointed – this seesawing between Winter and Spring. The birthing of one and reluctance to exit of other just plain happens.

Been there myself when I could taste joy, happy, victory…..the end of a long Winter of my soul. Exhilaration coursing through my veins. Newness greeting me. Relief kissing me. And just when I thought the story I deserved, earned and scripted was within reach, I witnessed the emptying of me back to cold.

Scripture unfolds the riveting chapter in the life of the widow of Zarephath. Desperate dictated her path. No rain. Little food. A child to feed. Ready to fix their last meal, she meets Elijah. He comes wanting bread and water. Quite challenging for one whose cupboards are bare. She shares from her empty, follows Elijah’s instructions and watches in amazement as God multiplies. Life was good – the perfect ending…..until Winter moved in and crashed her Spring. The widow’s son becomes ill and the breath of life leaves his lungs. Overwhelmed with grief, she confronts Elijah; this wasn’t the way the story was supposed to end. Elijah does the only thing he knows to do. He prays. He begs and then God restores; the boy is brought back to life.

In those moments when reality clouds our view, we get to choose. Zero in on self or trust God’s plan. Have to admit my gut response is to sink into the depths of me. And the very thought of sharing my empty doesn’t even appeal to me. But, this widow trusted a stranger and witnessed God’s provision. And when her world fell apart again…God showed up.

No matter what chapter is unfolding in our lives, we can trust God to meet us in the midst of the most devastating circumstances. His presence, His power and our obedience is the winning combination to rise above the Winters of our soul; the perfect ending that showcases His power and glory.

“Father, You are fully aware of every thing that touches our lives. Help us to trust You even in the cold.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life