Understand and Pray Through Your Spiritual WinterSample

Winter Trees

Every year, grapevines increase in their ability to grow and bear more fruit. But because of the increase in growth, they also push out more shoots. That is why winter must come so that the farmer can determine which shoots to cut back. Many shoots will not bear fruit, and if they are not cut away, they will hinder the vine from producing more fruit.

In winter, trees appear to be black and dead. But there is a recovery process deep inside the tree. Amazingly enough, invisible growth is taking place. These constant periods of rest, replenishment, and inner growth are necessary for the new season to see growth and more fruit.

Christian, welcome winter. Expect winter. Don’t be caught unawares by winter. It comes once a year for every tree. Don’t dread or fear the winters of life. Do not wish them away. These winters allow us to face ourselves and see the reality of our lives, the real us. This is necessary for all of us. Winter exposes the fruitless shoots and the broken branches. It can be pruned away. It is in winter, stripped of all the flowers, fruit, and leaves, that the farmer can see what to cut away – for the benefit of the tree!

Take Time To Pray

Allow God to prune away all that is not useful, all that is not bearing fruit.

Do not argue with God about things He knows will hurt you if you do not lay them down and walk away from them.

Spiritual winters are often times of transition, times of being redirected. Be very sensitive to the Voice of the Spirit. When God is busy redirecting us and wants to use us in a new position or field of labor, it is very often accompanied by pain, rejection, and unfair treatment. We do not realize how comfortable we can get in a specific position and that to be uprooted so that we can move to another place, pain is unavoidable. Do not look at the people who caused the pain – they are God’s Instruments. And they are very often Christians. Bless them and move on.