I hope you are staying warm and safe this week. It’s amazing how unpredictable the weather can be in central Texas. Sunday afternoon felt like a warm spring day. My kids were in shorts and riding on their bikes with friends in the neighborhood. Then Tuesday came and the schools were shut down, and now we find ourselves bundled up in our home. I think my yard is getting equally confused as well. I could see green grass starting to pop up last week, and plants in my flower beds were beginning to show signs of new life. However, this recent freeze reminds me that winter usually lasts longer than we desire.
Have you ever seen those green blades of grass start to spring up in your own life? When we submit our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, God is faithful to grow those seeds of faith into new life. We begin to see God soften our hearts and change the way we think, change the way we speak, and change the way we act. If you’re like me, you’ve been encouraged to see those visible changes which are evidence of God’s grace. But if you’re also like me, you’ve longed to see more change in your own life, and in the lives of those around you. It’s important in those seasons that we do not lose hope, but instead we remain faithful even in those winter storms.
The apostle Paul tells us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). As we enter the month of February, I encourage you to not grow weary of doing the good things that you began doing in January. For some of you, you began new disciplines of prayer and scripture reading. Don’t give up on those critical things. For some, you began prioritizing the church and gathered with us more faithfully. Don’t grow weary of entering the Lord’s house. Some of you began seeking community and serving in our church. Keep investing into relationships with others in our church family. For some, you began casting aside that sin that has so easily entangled you. Keep fighting that good fight.
As we learned last Sunday, sanctification can be a grueling thing. Don’t forget that life change is a lifelong process (Phil 1:6). Remain faithful even in the seasons that feel like winter for your soul. If you do, you will reap the harvest you are looking for in due season. I look forward to continuing our “More Than Conquerors” series with you this Sunday as we learn how we can live victorious lives even amidst our suffering. Don’t come alone this weekend. Pray for a friend, and then invite them to join you in worship at 9am or 11:11am. Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you in worship.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
www.jonathanspencer.org 