Whiter Than Snow

Job 37:6 – For He says to the snow; "Fall on the earth"; likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. (NKJV)

Having had during the past two winters a reprieve from snow and snowstorms, this year has all the markings of a good Canadian winter. We recently had a storm come through that was reported to be the worst snowstorm in a decade.

For the benefit of those who have not experienced a snowstorm, it looks something like this: a white sky, fully-covered white roads, white snow banks looming three to four feet high on both sides of the road, snow falling, and wind blowing the snow furiously around. All one can see is the whiteness, one of nature's purest forms.

The recent "worst in a decade" storm began in the early hours of Sunday morning, so we had to allow extra time to get to church. Not being able to see further than the car in front of us, the wind and the already high snow banks from the previous snowfalls made driving a challenge. As we approached the entrance to the road that would take us into the church parking lot, we found it hard to find the road, as everything was snow white. We edged the car slowly along, more with faith and knowing where the road was likely to be, than actually being able to see the road or the snow banks around us. As the car moved slowly up the road towards the entrance, with our eyes fixed ahead and peering through the whiteness, we saw just in front of our car a man standing with a bright orange vest waving us into the parking lot. Through the blowing and drifting snow, he was a much welcomed sight!

Isaiah 25:4 – But to the poor, O Lord, you are a refuge from the storm. To the needy in distress, you are a shelter from the rain and the heat. (NLT)

Just as we delighted in the parking lot attendant who ushered us in from the storm, so are we drawn in and welcomed by grace of God in our lives.

Psalm 51:7 – Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, the next time we are caught in the storms of life, help us to reach out to You and to stop and reflect on the beauty that is within the storm. We are so sorry for the times when in such storms we try to rely on our own strength and wander our own way, instead of reaching out to You. Thank You for the people whom You put in our lives to guide us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.