Winter is often characterized by barrenness, death, emptiness; for a season, the world is frozen in place. Everything stops. But when I think about the end of winter seasons, I picture a bear emerging from hibernation. It was necessary for him to be there for a time, but come spring, he needs to step into the light and see what spring has in store. 

As women, we experience similar moments in winter seasons. When spring declares its coming, we don’t want to come out of hiding. We prefer sweatpants, no makeup, and the warmth of living underneath a duvet cover. It feels safe and cozy right here. But still, God calls us out. Surely there must be a reason. 

“The season has changed, the bondage of your barren winter has ended, and the season of hiding is over and gone. The rains have soaked the earth and left it bright with blossoming flowers.”
— Song of Songs 2:11 (TPT) 

This season we are answering Jesus’ call to Arise and Come Away with Me. Winter seasons are real. Hiding seems to be the only way to cope, to survive. It’s a natural response. Sometimes it feels like the only response. Yet, God is still present in those moments. He never left. While it may feel empty and void of His presence, He is right there- holding you. David asserts confidence in this in the Psalms stating: 

“Because you are close to me and always available, my confidence will never be shaken, for I experience your wrap around presence, every moment. My heart and soul explode with joy- full of glory! Even my body will rest confident and secure.” — Psalms 16:8-9 (TPT) 

I acknowledge there are likely two kinds of women reading this right now: those entering or in a winter season and those coming out of one who are ready to experience spring.

Sometimes stepping out of that cave for the first time can be daunting. When you have been in a winter season, the light can feel a little bright. It is almost as if someone turned the light on your dark night. It is blinding. Taking that first step can be intimidating. But I want you to know today, it is okay to live in the both/and—to recognize that yes, pain has taken place, but still move forward. Acknowledge the pain. Don’t diminish it. But sis, don’t stay parked at the point of your pain! Speaking from experience, I can assure you, God has so much waiting on the other side of your winter. 

In Scripture, we find the perfect example of someone who was called out of his winter. In Acts, Peter healed a man who had been paralyzed and bed ridden for eight years. This man had been experiencing an endless winter season. 

“’Aeneas, Jesus the Anointed one instantly and divinely heals you. Now, get up and make your bed.’ All at once he stood to his feet. And when all the people of Lydda and Sharon saw him, they became believers in the Lord.” — Acts 9:34-35 (TPT) 

Sometimes our response following a winter season bears the greatest witness to the power of Jesus Christ in our lives. 

Spring symbolizes a fresh beginning—the beginning of new life, the beginning of new hope, the beginning of a new season. In Scripture, spring always accompanies abundance and blessings a plenty. But, experiencing spring requires action on our part. Just like Aeneas who, in faith, took the first step, we have the choice to declare with confidence in Jesus Christ that winter is over! Amen. Spring is here. New life has come. The deathly chill in the air has ceased, and flowers have begun to bloom. In our spirit, we need to proclaim this truth and allow this reality to take root in our souls. 

Okay sister, it is time to locate yourself. Where are you in this season? Are you in a dark winter or are you being called into spring? Do you see yourself as a bear in hibernation or are you the bedridden man who needs to ARISE? Do you feel Him calling you into spring? 

If the answer is yes, you have the choice to walk forward in confidence that you are healed. 

- Kierstin Almstrum, Soul Care Lead