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.”
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
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 a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She also serves on the Oakwood Women’s
Ministry Special Events team.
