The Bitter Cold

 

It has been quite chilly here in the Northeast for the past few weeks! We’ve been staying cozy indoors and haven't ventured out much. Every day, I have to step outside a few times to let our little puppy, Chloe, into the yard. While I’m eager to get back inside, Chloe is having the time of her life, sniffing around everywhere. More than once, I’ve tried to follow her and chase her back inside, but she just playfully runs away!

I soon discovered that the best way to get her back in is to leave her alone and let her experience the bitter cold for a little while. It only takes a few minutes before she feels the snow on her little paws and starts to shiver. Then, she quickly darts back to the door to get warm again.

I’ve found that people often behave similarly. Sadly, they don’t like being told that their sinful lifestyles are wrong and that they need to change. Our well-meaning talks and lectures can sometimes even make them more resistant. They don’t care how good life may seem within our Christian bubble. However, we can pray and allow the Holy Spirit to perform the transformational work only He can achieve. Often, this involves allowing them to experience the harsh reality of living without God. 

The parable of the prodigal son in the Bible is probably the best example. It wasn’t until he experienced life without his father and faced difficult circumstances alone that he began to appreciate and long for the life he had with him. Ultimately, through the work of the Holy Spirit and their circumstances, people learn vital lessons and find their way back to God.