The Storm Within

Growing Daily

The Storm Within

Three weeks ago, a major storm blanketed the East Coast—heavy snow covered by thick ice. We grabbed shovels and powered up snowblowers. But no matter how diligently we worked, stubborn snow piles remained, packed and frozen hard. Day after day they lingered, resistant to every effort.  Only when the temperature rose and the sun shone did those frozen heaps finally begin to melt.

This past Sunday, our pastor used that image to describe sin. We can chip away at behavior, try harder, and make resolutions, but our old sin nature clings stubbornly—like ice-hardened snow. Sin has icy depths that human effort cannot remove. Paul described this tension: "I want to do what is right, but I can't..." (Romans 7:18).

But there is hope. Just as the sun did what our shovels could not, the Son transforms what human willpower can’t reach.  When “the sun of righteousness rises with healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:2), hardened places begin to soften.  "Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The congregation loved the illustration — but groaned, knowing another storm was forecast that very afternoon!

Until spring returns, we won't be free of snowstorms. Until Christ returns, we will face temptations, make mistakes, and battle sin. But praise God, His light melts even the iciest heart—and His return is imminent.


- Catherine Reid