Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Life-Giving Power of the “Son”
By Karen D’Amore

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - - it is by grace you have been saved.”

Blindsided by winter’s sudden arrival, I entered the season ill-prepared for what was to come. With a relentless scorn, winter snarled, pounced and bit like a raging lion…over and over again. Windows and walls insulated me from the frigid and frozen landscape. My heart ached to see my beloved wildlife forage relentlessly to ease their hunger since winter had robbed them of their natural food sources.

Finally, we had a day of reprieve where winter recoiled and the powerful sun was the victor. The rapidly melting snow - - puddled into micro-pools - - drew birds to flock for refreshment. Color emerged from beneath the thick blanket of snow and symphonies of birds shouted melodies of spring. From the dead of winter, the outside world came alive… resuscitated by the power of the sun.

Venturing beyond my protective barriers, I immersed myself in the thawing environment. With my lawn chair aligned with the unobstructed sun, I basked in the outstretched rays, drinking in every morsel of warmth.  And as the brilliant sun penetrated the surface of my skin, it seemed to awaken my soul. For the first time in months, I felt revived and alive. There was a stark contrast between how un-alive I’d felt throughout the frigid dark winter and how I felt moments after exposure to the powerful sun. As exposure to sunlight infuses our body with nourishing vitamin D, it restores, renews and replenishes us. God masterfully created the sun  to be life-giving!

I recall a season in my life when I experienced this stark contrast… spiritually. I was a prodigal daughter wandering in darkness and dead in my sin. Once my soul was exposed to the “Son,” I saw the Light and re-committed my life to Christ. After experiencing the power of the “Son,” I felt instantly resuscitated, restored and renewed! For the first time in my life, I felt truly alive.

As sun-deprived seasons affect us emotionally and physically, Son-deprived lives suffer spiritually. Are you suffering from Son-deprivation? Are you in need of restoration and renewal? Turn your face to God and bask in the eternal-life-giving power of His “Son!”

GOING DEEPER:
1.  How can you prevent Son-deprivation?

FURTHER READING:

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.