Be careful what you wish for
Winter Storm Fern formed earlier this week and raced across the United States. When first alerted to the approach of winter weather, my husband and I rejoiced at the prospect of a big snow. We LOVE snow, but now we’re recalling sage wisdom–be careful what you wish for.
In the southern US, snow is somewhat rare and usually arrives in the form of fluffy flakes that spread a soft blanket of white across our brown, winter landscape. Beauty results as the ugly is covered.
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
As I write this message, a mixture of sleet and ice covers our roads and landscape. It’s hazardous to drive or walk. Later today, we’re predicted to receive significant amounts of freezing rain that will likely bring power outages. Long term loss of electrical power isn’t just inconvenient–it’s life threatening in frigid temperatures predicted to linger throughout the remainder of this week.
I’m reminded–be careful what you wish for
In 1 Samuel, we are told the story of Israel’s desire for a king. The prophet Samuel disagreed with the people, but he prayed about this request. God answered:
And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” (1Samuel 8:7-9)
Like most countries, Israel had some good leaders (kings) and some poor ones. However, the error wasn’t in asking for a king–their mistake was turning away from God as their guide, leader, and Master to replace God’s position in their lives with a man.
Is someone or something replacing God in our lives?
Of course, I didn’t create this unusual storm or the calamities caused by ice and cold. But I confess–I wanted it to snow. I love to see its beauty and walk in it when soft flakes brush my cheeks. The pristine whiteness covers the flaws which hide underneath.
I considered the beauty of snow, but not the dangers involved in snow, sleet, ice and cold.
And after snow melts, the mud appears. It’s ugly and messy.
Life can become ugly and messy when sin (separation from God) enters our lives.
Like the Israelites, we may sometimes put our faith in people rather than God. What can interfere with our faith, trust, and submission to God?
- A push to succeed in a career
- Our demand to be in control in a relationship
- The desire for material objects
- Putting our faith in anything other than our Lord
What other things make life messy for us? Who or what separates us from God?
There’s Good News! God is always there–faithful and trustworthy when we turn back to Him.
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)
I pray you are safe in this winter storm and those storms of life which follow. May God keep you safe from the weather and from the enemy who seeks to separate you from God. Wishing you safety and joy, my friends.
We got about 7 inches of snow here in Oklahoma and I’ve enjoyed it especially since we didn’t get any ice with it. But you’re so right about being careful about what you wish for in life. Thanks Katherine.
Our sleet on the ground is still hanging on. It’s perfect for sledding, but my husband says I’m too old for it. I love to sled, but I agree it’s too COLD for it! Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne. Stay safe and warm.
Katherine, I’m thankful you are safe, and I’m praying your power outages don’t last long. Lord, keep the linemen safe too!
Thank you for your good wishes, Barbara. We received several inches of sleet, but no freezing rain. Yay! No loss of power–answered prayers. Many prayers still needed for those still without power. I’m grateful for your concern for our lineman–I agree. They are dedicated, out in the absolute worst conditions to restore heat and light to so many. May God bless them and keep them safe.
Our winter storm is almost over, but frigid temperatures continue. I’m thankful God remains with us through all life’s storms, physical and personal. Stay safe and warm, Katherine.
We are still in the midst of a deep freeze as well, Diana. Like you, I’m thankful for our Father’s love and care. Grateful also for all those lineman and service personnel who work faithfully through the storms for us.
Excellent post, Katherine. So true. We got almost a foot of snow here in PA. Still digging out. Places are pretty well shut down today.
A foot! Oh, my! Our several inches of sleet is still on the ground due to the extended cold. I’m so thankful we didn’t receive the predicted dose of freezing rain and we still have power. God is so good! Sending wishes for peace and blessings, Shirley. Be safe.
No snow here in the Lowcountry. I remember wishing for snow days as a kid. That meant no school. But, if we missed too many days, I wanted to see my friends. So, yes, be careful with your wishes. haha! Have a blessed week! Stay warm.
Glad you escaped the ice this time, Melissa. You may get some snow yet, if current predictions hold up for the weekend. Hoping you just have the beauty of a little snow and not the hazards of ice. May God bless you and keep you safe.
I’m like a kid about snow too. But sadly, sometimes it’s a “gift” that brings woes along with it. I recall one Christmas when we were housebound due to a wintry mix and didn’t get to enjoy the holiday with our large family.
Your first two photos are beautiful and make me a little wistful that Fern didn’t bring me any snow. Just lots of rain and lightly iced roads today. Hope all returns to normal for you soon!
We were blessed to receive all sleet. It’s not as lovely as snow, but doesn’t create the loss of power issues that comes with freezing rain. What we have is perfect for sledding! I’m still considering that adventure. Peace and blessings, Candyce.
in central eastern Alabama,, we only got rain, which was alright by me! Tomorrow the high isn’t projected to get above freezing.🥶 Not typical at all for us. Thanking God for shelter from the cold. I doubt I’ll venture out!
It’s still very cold here, too, Terri. We had six inches of snow on Saturday on top of the ice we already had. But the snow was so lovely falling and everything looks so clean. Of course the mud will soon appear. Like you, I’m grateful for the shelter of our home and HEAT! May God bless you and keep you safe (and warm).
Lots of the same here in Virginia. I am disappointed that we didn’t get as much snow a predicted, and my husband is out chopping ice and snow out in the driveway. It has brought some of the same thoughts to me. Thank you for highlighting the spiritual lessons we can learn from this winter’s messiness!
There may be another chance for snow, Sylvia. You are right, chopping this layer of ice has been a challenge. I’m just so thankful we didn’t lose power. Every aspect of nature sends us messages, doesn’t it? It’s all in His hands. May God bless you all.
I appreciate your comparison of wishing for snow and Israel deserting God and wishing for a king!It’s important for us to be honest and think through if we are doing that in our own lives.
I do pray you stay safe through this storm and don’t lose power for too long.
Thank you for your prayers, Kathy. Yes, my message reminded me to consider those things I wish for. I’m thankful we have so many scriptural examples to guide that path of “wishful thinking.” God has helped me so much in that area and I’m grateful for His mercy, grace, and patience. Take care, my friend.
What a great way to be topical. Fantastic reminder to be careful on several levels, including what we wish for! Eyes on the Lord and what He provides instead.
Thank you for stopping by, Debb. I’m grateful for your encouragement and your insights. Peace and blessings!
Thank you for the great analogy, Katherine. I got sleet/ice. Then a week later, got the pretty snow – 5+ inches. I’m grateful God forgives me when I get off track or ask for something without thinking through the consequences.
We’re very much in the same boat (winter wonderland); several inches of sleet now covered by 6+ inches of fluffy, pristine snow. God’s creation is so lovely and I have a beautiful view out the window. As another bonus, being shut in enabled me to catch up on some projects. So blessed! Stay safe and warm, Joni.