Last week, New Mexico had a winter storm in autumn. I’m grateful we live in the high desert. Here in Albuquerque, it was cold enough for snow but not cold enough to stick to the ground. The storm began brewing on Wednesday and ended on Friday. Rain turned to snow, which led to a freezing fog. All this drama was quite the sight for us after 13 years in Belize.
I dressed in layers, drove Tom to work, and went for a hike. I had never envisioned snow-ladened cactus, so of course I had postcards made to send to our grandchildren in Australia. A winter storm in autumn wasn’t just a local excitement, it also made the national news. My mother called from Kansas to make sure we were safe.
God’s Timing
God’s sovereignty is seen in the unusual and unexpected events of our lives. After all, God is the one Who directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down. (Job 37:6 NLT)
Isaiah tells us that,
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.” Isaiah 55:10 NLT
God’s purpose and a plan are attached to His provision for us hungry children. And the snow storm turned into the bread I needed. He reminded me that nourishment for our souls comes down from heaven silently making a profound impact on our spiritual lives.
Signals of Change
“God’s breath sends the ice…” Job 37:10 NLT
His breath chills the air calling our attention to a new season. It signals a time to practice gratitude for the unusual and unexpected events in our lives.
I’m grateful that we have “no fear of winter for our household…”(Pr31:21 NLT) God has provided us with a warm house, clothes appropriate for the season, and plenty of food to eat.
I’m grateful that there is “a time for every activity under heaven.” (Ecc 3:1 NLT) Our mothers are both 87-years-old. God purposefully brought Tom and I back to the U.S. for the winter season of our mothers lives.
I’m grateful that “as long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” (Genesis 8:22 NLT) God promises a natural order to life on earth so that no matter what challenges we face, His faithfulness reigns over all.
This winter storm in autumn seemed out of order to me, but God in His sovereignty makes everything make sense, in His time.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ponder God’s breath changing the temperature of the air in this season of your life.