Where Will We Spend Our Winters?
“When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.” Titus 3:12
Last Thursday, we went to get a few needed groceries…and a few not-so-needed groceries 😉 for the forecasted winter storm. I know, I know…us southerners get teased for running to the store at the first mention of SNOW. I have to admit, seeing the buggies of milk & bread (as well as plenty of junk food) made me smile.
Along with our forecast for snow, we received plenty of “winter storm warnings” cautioning folks to stay off the roads if at all possible. The next morning, all of this excitement brought to my mind the verse at the beginning of this post. The Apostle Paul is informing Titus of his plans to spend the winter in a place called Nicopolis. The phrase that stood out to me – actually a few years ago – is found at the end of the verse, “I have determined there to winter”.
Because of the characteristics of this season – frigid temperatures, harsh elements, death, etc – I have heard it said that an individual who is experiencing an extended time of trials in their life is going through wintertime. None of us are exempt from wintertime. Just as spring, summer, and fall come predictably, so does winter. For this reason, we should learn to expect this season. It is a part of life.
My question this evening is this:
“Where and how will we spend our winters?”
From Paul, we learn that he had decided to spend his winter in Nicopolis. The best way to get through our winter times is to determine in advance where and how we will spend that season of our life.
Winter is often known for its bitterly cold temperatures. To survive these conditions, one must dress to protect themselves against the harsh elements. A spiritual wintertime is often a time when a Christian’s heart can become bitterly cold due to the severe characteristics of trials. To survive these conditions, one must clothe themselves with humility while staying close to the Lord. Remember, winter times come to all – why should we be excluded from this season of testing?
When a winter storm is approaching, advisories are often posted to warn people of the dangers of being out and about in these conditions. Will we spend our winter times “outside” in the harsh weather conditions while attempting to fight our way through the storm? Or will we “stay inside” and take comfort in the warmth of His Word while trusting God through the storm?
When it is necessary for us to “go outside and face the storm”, will we tread prayerfully and carefully…knowing that many spiritual accidents occur in the wintertime through decisions made in haste? Will we remember that, just as winter blizzards can be blinding, spiritual winter times can leave us temporarily blinded to the direction God would have us take?
As mentioned above, just the mention of an approaching winter storm will bring people out in droves a day or two before in order to stock up on the necessities. Will we stay as prepared as possible by “stocking up on the Milk and Bread” before the storm comes? Will we be faithful to His Word in the good times – the springs, summers, and falls of our lives – in preparation for our winters?
This past weekend, we actually lost power for a couple of hours during the storm. Because this is a predictable occurrence, I didn’t have to fumble around looking for the flashlight (with batteries). I knew exactly where to find it! Winter storms will often take a toll on our strength. When a storm hits and our power is flickering…will we turn to The Source of Power? Will we know where to find Him? Will He be easily accessible to us or will we have to stumble around in the dark for a while due to unconfessed sin in our lives?
Yes, spiritual winter storms can be bitterly cold with treacherous conditions that require prayerfulness and carefulness. Winter storms can find us turning to spiritual truths we’ve learned in the past – the milk and bread we’ve stocked up on before the storm hit. Winter storms can even threaten our loss of power. Because of these realities, we must determine in advance where and how we will spend our winters.
Despite the negative aspects of winter, this season can also be a beautiful time. I was reminded of this yesterday when I looked out our kitchen door. I quickly called for Bethany. “Photo opportunity!”, I told her.
The sun was shining on these trees that had weathered the storm. The results were glistening branches that, just the day before, were a dull brown.
Remember the place in which Paul determined to winter? Nicopolis was the name and now I want to share with you the meaning of that name. Are you ready for this??
Nicopolis means “city of VICTORY”!!
Isn’t that amazing? When we make the right choices on where and how we will spend our winters, the results will be a beautiful, VICTORIOUS picture of the grace of God shining through us! Folks, that just blesses my heart tremendously!! Praise the Lord!
*** “Grace grows best in the winter.” ~ Samuel Rutherford ***