I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
ROMANS 8:18
Fresh powder beckons, and we flock to the mountains—to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, snowmobile, go tubing, have snowball fights, and even do some winter camping.
Stay out in the cold long enough, though, and eventually those noses, ears, toes, and fingers start to get cold. A hat flies off in a tumble; gloves get a little bit wet. Eventually, it’s time to warm up. So we head back to the lodge or the car and strip off some layers, grateful for the warmth and a waiting cup of hot cocoa.
But as blood flow returns to those icy extremities, they begin to tingle. It hurts!
Sometimes spiritual restoration is like that, too. When we wander too far from the life-giving warmth of communion with God, the chill of sin sets in. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life can keep us out of God’s presence longer than we realize.
When we finally do turn back to Him and once again submit to the Holy Spirit, conviction of sin can sting. Our regret for wasted time and missed opportunities may be scalding. If we have lingered in despair or been mired in deep unbelief, the shock of hope and joy melting our malaise can tingle painfully. But just as blood flow returning to our fingers and toes saves us from frostbite, the pains of spiritual restoration are also temporary and ultimately lead us back to warm, abundant life. It’s well worth that short-term discomfort to come close to the Lord again!