There they sit, like giant beached whales. Mounds of snow, at the edges of fences, by the sides of highways, in corners of parking lots. For the entire winter, our lawns were cloaked in white. The recent rain, wind and warmer weather washed away much of the snow; yet there still remain piles of graying white. Each of those snowflakes that fell en masse last December were so delicate, it’s amazing that they are still present in March. What can we learn from these fragile flakes that have such staying power?
1. They stick together.
Despite the fact that one person can make a difference – which I absolutely believe – it is also true that there is power in numbers.
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We simply were not made to go it alone. God made us to be part of a body, His body. He made us for fellowship. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another. Heb 10:25
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God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” Gen 1:26 He is one God, but He is a plural God (like one family or one class or one snowstorm are singular, yet plural.) He is in fellowship with Himself. We are made in His image, and therefore, we need to be in the fellowship of believers. We are made that way for a reason. We are stronger together than we are alone.
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Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:12
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2. They were pushed out of their comfort zone.
Oh, it’s so much easier to stay within our comfort zone, isn’t it? But those flakes that remained so comfortable out on the open lawn were the first ones to melt away. It was the plowed flakes, the ones that got pushed and shoved around that remained. If the snowflakes could speak, they would say that it sure didn’t feel good at the time. To the snowflake, the plow seemed brutal, a real bully. But it was precisely because it yielded to the plow that it survived.
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When we don’t understand our circumstances or we have to change our status quo, we have to recognize that there is Someone greater than ourselves in control, Someone who has our best interests at heart.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11
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Recently, a friend shared this excellent quote with me:
“Comfort is the breeding ground for mediocrity. Hardship makes you find your greatness.”
If you’ve been trying to go it alone or if you’ve been facing a difficult struggle, hang in there. Remember the frail snowflake that first arrived in December and is still hanging around in March; and recognize that you are on the road to greatness!
ps – the winner of our giveaway book The Hole In Our Gospel is Marja Meijers. Congratulations Marja, and thank you so much for your encouraging comments and for sharing Eternity Cafe.
Hi Susan –
Until recently, we had a few of those graying mounds hanging around.
I'm reminded of the scripture that tells us the body is made up of many members and so is the Body of Christ. We need each other in good times and in bad times.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
Thank you, Susan, for your encouraging words. I love that scripture from Jeremiah. Our pastor did a whole series on that recently and really brought it to life.
I'm thinking that if He never leads us out of our comfort zones, we don't really need Him that much…
Waving and smiling,
Rhonda
I love that quote from your friend, I so needed to hear that; I need to move out of my comfort zone, so God can bring greatness out of my hardship:)
Susan:
I enjoyed your thoughts on the snow "sticking together". Several years ago now, my late step mother and I were talking on the phone. We had snow on the ground for a week. She said,"The snow is laying on the ground waiting for some more to join it."
Love your analogy with snow. I think those snow banks are so ugly, but you put a beautiful reminder with them. :O)
Hi Susan, what a great post (again)! and wow… I won the book! That is awesome, I am delighted, thank you so very much. I posted about it on my blog 🙂
Donna – I'm just simple-minded I guess 😉
Cathy – I never failed to be amazed at how God does that. Then I'm amazed that I'm amazed. Why should I be amazed that God who created the entire universe and knows every cell of every person would speak to two little hearts a few towns away.
I love how you take the simple things and give them great meaning! I enjoyed this post! Thank you again.
Susan. Hi. how are you? can't believe your devotion today (that's what I'll call it). I am doing a study on "Believing God" and that's exactly what He was showing me this morning. In the study guide, it even mentioned
"when God confirms……" how sweet the confirmation came from YOU! keep doing what you do my dear sister in the Lord. You are obedient and willing to step out of your comfort zone and share what God puts on your heart
….you Abraham you! :0)
love ya lots. in HIM, cathy o