Covered with White Snow
Yesterday, two of my best friends and I spent some time in prayer for our families and friends. It was a beautiful day to pray. The DFW metroplex was in the process of receiving a record snow fall. The trees and ground were already covered with snow while large, wet flakes continued to fall from the sky.
Just prior to our prayer time, I looked out the window and witnessed the most beautiful sight. In one of the snow covered trees in our backyard, a red cardinal was perched on one of its branches. With everything in the yard painted white, the cardinal was more pronounced than ever. The three of us saw it as a sign from God because red birds are symbolic of the blood of Christ shed for our sins and white is symbolic of purity. We were about to pray for righteousness, wisdom, purity and healing for our families and friends. Through the gift of the red cardinal, it seemed like God was letting us experience his presence.
Isaiah 1:18-20 says, “Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Yesterday, we were willing and obedient to lay our scarlet sins at the cross because only Christ can take them and make them white as snow. Yes, God was speaking to us through the red cardinal, moments before we humbled ourselves before Him.
Today the snow is melting as our winter wonderland thaws out. Unfortunately the weight of the snow broke off some branches from the bushes and trees so there will be some pruning needed to make them beautiful again. It occurred to me that the purification process often necessitates pruning and many times it can be a painful process. To be made pure, our sins and strongholds need to be broken away for us to live the abundant life promised in Scripture. Although it is difficult at times, I welcome the pruning process as I want God to see my life as one that is obedient to Him, pure and holy, covered with white snow.