(With the winter season fast approaching, many have already made their annual escape to warmer climates. It is with this in mind that I am sharing the following – an article that the Lord allowed me to write back in January, 2017. I pray that it will be an encouragement to someone today!)

Where And How Will We Spend Our Winters?

“When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.” Titus 3:12

Last Thursday, we went to get a few needed groceries (and a few not-so-needed groceries) for the forecasted winter storm. I know, I know…we southerners get teased for running to the store at the first mention of SNOW. I have to admit, seeing the buggies of milk and bread (as well as plenty of junk food) made me smile.

Along with our forecast for snow, we received plenty of “winter storm warnings” cautioning folks to stay off the roads if at all possible. The next morning, all of this excitement brought to my mind the verse at the beginning of this post. The Apostle Paul is informing Titus of his plans to spend the winter time in a place called Nicopolis. The phrase that stood out to me is found at the end of the verse, “I have determined there to winter”. 

Because of the characteristics of this season – frigid temperatures, harsh elements, death, etc. – I have heard it said that an individual who is experiencing an extended time of trials in their life is going through winter time. None of us are exempt from it. Just as spring, summer and fall come predictably, so does winter. For this reason, we should learn to expect this season. It is a part of life.

This morning, my question for each of us is this:

“Where and how will we spend our winters?”

From Paul, we learn that he had made the decision to spend his winter in Nicopolis. The best way to get through our winters is to prayerfully determine in advance where and how we will spend that season of our lives.

Winter is often known for its bitterly cold temperatures. To survive these conditions, we must dress to protect ourselves against the harsh elements. A spiritual winter time is often a time when a Christian’s heart can become bitterly cold due to the severe characteristics of trials. To survive these conditions, we must clothe ourselves with humility while staying close to the Lord. “…Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5 Oh my, we certainly need to experience God’s all-sufficient grace – especially in the midst of suffering! How very important that we guard our hearts from questioning what the Lord has allowed in our lives. Remember, winter time comes to all – why should we be excluded from this season of testing? 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

When a winter storm is approaching, advisories are often posted to warn people of the dangers of being out-and-about in the treacherous weather. Sadly, some do not heed the warnings but instead choose to trust in their ability to drive in the hazardous conditions. This often results in serious injuries or even deaths. Proverbs 118:8 reminds us – “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”  No matter what may come our way, confidence in the Lord is the only way to weather our trials. Will we spend our winter times “outside” in the harsh weather conditions while attempting to fight our way through the storm? Or, will we “stay inside” and take comfort in the warmth of His Word while trusting God through the storm?

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.” Psalm 57:1

When it is necessary for us to “go outside and face the storm”, will we tread prayerfully and carefully while remembering that many spiritual accidents occur in the winter time through decisions made in haste? Will we remember that, just as winter blizzards can be blinding, spiritual winter times can leave us temporarily blinded to the direction God would have us take?

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6

Ah, yes! Here in the south, just the mention of an approaching winter storm will bring people out in droves a day or two before in order to stock up on the necessities! As Christians, will we stay as prepared as possible by “stocking up on the Milk and Bread” before our winter storm comes? Will we be faithful to His Word in the good times – the springs, summers and falls of our lives – in preparation for our winters?

“Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.” Psalm 119:92

This past weekend, we actually lost power for a couple hours during the storm. Because this is an expected occurrence, I didn’t have to fumble around looking for the flashlight (with batteries). I knew exactly where to find it! Spiritual winter storms will often take a toll on our strength. When a storm hits and our power is flickering, will we turn to The Source of Power? Will we know where to find Him?  Will we have immediate access to God in our time of need or will we find ourselves “stumbling around in the dark” due to unconfessed sin in our lives?

“But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Psalm 37:39

Yes, spiritual winter storms can be bitterly cold with treacherous conditions that require prayerfulness and carefulness. Winter storms can find us turning to spiritual truths we’ve learned in the past – the Milk and Bread we’ve stocked up on before the storm hit. Winter storms can even threaten our loss of power. Because of these realities, we must prayerfully determine in advance where and how we will spend this season.

In spite of the negative aspects of winter, this season can also be a beautiful time. I was reminded of this yesterday when I looked out our kitchen door. I quickly got Bethany’s attention - “Photo opportunity!” 

The sun was shining on the ice-covered limbs that had weathered the storm. The results were BEAUTIFUL, glistening branches that, just the day before, were a dull brown!

We have already learned that Nicopolis was the name of the town where Paul had “determined to winter”. Now, I want to share with you the meaning of that name. Are you ready for this??

Nicopolis means “city of VICTORY”!!

Isn’t that just AMAZING?! And, when we make the right choices on where and how we will spend our winter time, the results will be a beautiful, VICTORIOUS picture of the grace of God shining through us! Folks, that just blesses my heart tremendously!! Praise the Lord!

 “Grace grows best in the winter.” ~ Samuel Rutherford 

“…thou hast made summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17