Growth Can Feel Like the Weather

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

The weather is quite something to observe … it can go this way and that way with no seeming pattern or reason. From 40 (and I heard up to 50) degrees below zero last week to above zero and melting this week. Weather is unpredictable and often unreliable - and yet it is always there for us to embrace or complain about.

It makes me think about spiritual growth; it seems we can see some parallels. Just when we feel we are growing and feeling positive about our walk with God and pursuit of His love and holiness in our lives, something happens that makes us struggle. We strive to at least be two steps forward and only one backwards, but at times we’re left feeling unsure if there are any steps forward.

While the ups and downs of the weather can be reflective of the ups and downs we face in life, let us be encouraged by God’s consistency throughout all things. His love and character remain the same regardless of circumstances. Let us focus ourselves on Him rather than being frustrated with ourselves or our situation.

The verse above is one we should find great encouragement in! In Christ, we are made new. Everyday we strive to live out our new selves, but this newness is our reality. May we be encouraged to continue the road of life confident in Christ’s redeeming work both at our point of salvation and every day!