Providence? Or curse?

Our winter has been heavenly warm of late. So much so, that I have daffodils and azaleas in bloom. In December and January that just doesn't happen in Alabama. I prefer this warmer weather. I get cold quite easily, so as soon as the temperature drops below 60 degrees, I'm chilled. (And no, living in Wisconsin for part of your life does NOT thicken your skin to the point that once you've lived in the South you can handle it.) The other morning while walking across the tile floor in my bathroom, I shot up an arrow prayer to the Father thanking Him for this warm winter. And I felt in my heart Him commenting, "You're welcome. But you understand that means less flowers in Spring?" I stopped right there. Say what?! He made it quite clear that our Spring flowers were dependent on a dormant cold winter. I had to think about that one. While I didn't not like being cold, I love a Spring filled with colorful blooms. Was I willing to have the colder winter for that? Absolutely. I'll take the cold.

It got me to thinking about the trials we face in this lifetime. If we knew that after we went through a challenge in our life, that something beautiful would come of it, would we handle those situations differently? Our Father has this perfect plan for us, to grow us and make us more like Christ, that oftentimes requires some events that, well, I'd just as soon do without. But, like the cold temperatures of winter, if it means greater glory for Him at the end of it ... I think I can handle it.

My Ayla has gone through countless trials since her move to Rhode Island, calling this time in her life "The Providence Curse." She said things have gotten so bad at times that she'd go to pray or read her Bible and actually think to herself, "What's the use?" My heart broke when she said it, to know that she was that low of spirit and that Satan had convinced her that prayer and keeping a daily connection with God would not bring her any peace. Ayla has pulled herself out of that funk, choosing to focus on God, get back into study and a daily devotion time and seeking Christian support and a church in her area. I've commented to her often what a wonderful plan God must have for her after this time of trial.

Now I'm not saying we should delight in the trials. We just need to remember that we've got a Father who loves us so much and can see what's ahead. There's a wonderful new song called "Already There" by Casting Crowns off their Come To The Well CD that perfectly captures this spirit.

From where I'm standing
Lord it's so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You're leading me
I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can't control

When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there

From where You're standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan

Father God, I'll put on a few more layers and a coat. I look forward to the flowers in Spring. In Jesus name, Amen.