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 Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s
on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
