The trees had not finished undressing when my part of the world turned upside down and shook like a giant snow globe. Snowflakes floated everywhere, gliding to the earth and frosting it like a cake—chocolate with thick, white icing. Colorful leaves dropped atop the snow like decorative candy sprinkles. The sun peered over the horizon sending forth her first rays to illuminate the trees. Covered in ice, they glistened like sparkling chandeliers in the early morning sun.
All day long, the seasons vied for position. Fall struggled to stand its ground while winter marched forth with a vengeance. Within a few days, the air would warm, and winter would retreat for a little while longer before fall gave way, completely surrendering to winter’s command. But for this day, winter remained ruthless, not giving fall an inch.
Watching the struggle unfold, I wondered: What is vying for position in my life? Is it earthly matters or spiritual? Am I focused on something I cannot change, or praying about something I can? Do I fill the hours God has given me with thoughts and activities that are pleasing to Him? Or do I allow demons to creep in and camp, taking up residence in my mind? How much time do I spend with God compared to daily activities?
For me, these questions are sobering. I mean well, but in my humanness, I get pulled in the opposite direction from where I truly want to go. Satan knows me intricately and is proficient at sending distractions, pulling me quickly off course. Despite my good intentions, I never seem able to take control and find my way back.
It is comforting to know the apostle Paul, a great leader in the early church, struggled with the same tug-of-war. In Romans, Paul says the answer is that Jesus Christ can and does set the contradictions of my life right. Paul assures us Jesus understands our humanness and came to make things right.
So the next time something vies for position in your life, stop. Take a deep breath and regroup. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Let Him lead the way.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and pippalou.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)
Sheryl M. Baker enjoys bringing hope and encouragement through God's Word. Her devotions have appeared in Light from the Word, The Secret Place, Power for Today, and christiandevotions.us. She is a contributing author to Yvonne Lehman’s books, Spoken Moments, More Christmas Moments, and Loving Moments. Sheryl lives in northwest Indiana with her husband Ben and spoiled cat Rex. Connect with Sheryl at sherylmbaker.wordpress.com or spunbythepotter.com.