The God Who Warms the Cold

 


The God Who Warms the Cold

​This devotion reflects on God’s faithful timing and provision through our recent trial with the winter cold.

​Romans 8:28: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Philippians 4:13: "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Psalm 138:8: "The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever."

Isaiah 41:10: "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."

Jeremiah 33:3: "Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come."

Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."


​I asked Ross to check our propane at the beginning of the month. He reported 85 gallons, and I said, "Perfect, enough to get through this month." Then, we woke up cold. He went and checked the tank again; it still said 85, but by tapping it, he knew it was empty.

​There are moments in life when the "night" feels literal and freezing. When our propane ran out in the middle of the night, leaving us without heat for two days, it was more than just a physical challenge—it was a test of endurance. In those 48 hours, God showed His sovereignty over the very elements. While we waited, He held the temperatures at a steady 55 degrees, providing a "cushion" of relative warmth that kept the situation from becoming a crisis.

​I called our local community action program. Waiting on hold for six hours can feel like an eternity of silence. Yet, Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us that when we call, He answers. Even when we are stuck on a phone line, God is already at work behind the scenes. He strengthened us to endure those long hours, proving that we truly can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13).

​The timing of our delivery was no accident. Just as the propane arrived and our home began to warm, the outside air turned bitter, dropping to 10 degrees with a wind chill of minus 8. Psalm 138:8 promises that the Lord will work out His plans for your life. He knew exactly when that fuel was needed most and ensured it arrived before the deep freeze took hold.

​Today, as I look out at the frost and feel the warmth inside our home, I let my heart echo Psalm 28:7: "The Lord is my strength and shield... I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." He is a God who manages the thermostat of our lives, keeping us through the wait and providing exactly what we need, right when we need it.

​The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

​A Prayer of Gratitude

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Helper and my Shield. Thank You for the two days of mild weather when I was without heat, and for the strength to wait through the long hours on hold. I am so grateful for Your perfect timing and Your constant care. Help me to always trust that You are working everything out for my good. Amen.

​Great Is Thy Faithfulness

"Summer and winter and springtime and harvest... all I have needed Thy hand hath provided."

​Isaiah 40:31: "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on the wings of eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint!"

​Thank you, Lord!

​BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN.

BOBBA

Love, Penny 💛 

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