\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Here in Ohio we often have enough wind during the winter months to measure a wind chill factor.\u00a0 That isn’t the actual temperature, but rather the temperature that it feels like to our bodies because of the wind.\u00a0 Today we have a chill factor of 6 degrees.\u00a0 The actual temperature is 24 degrees.\u00a0\u00a0Brrrrr, that’s too cold for me. I think I’ll curl up with a good book in front of my fireplace.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Did you know that people, including Christians can create a “chill factor” around them?\u00a0 We all face life’s ups and downs, its good times and bad.\u00a0 I have heard it said that life is what happens while we are making plans for our future.\u00a0 That is so true.\u00a0 Life just drops in on us when we least expect it.\u00a0 Sometimes it’s good news, like a check in the mail, or flowers from a friend.\u00a0 Sometimes it’s bad news; the car breaks down or your favorite cat dies.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We all have winter days when we feel like a freeze has hit our hearts and spirits.\u00a0 That is a normal part of living in this world.\u00a0 It cannot be avoided. Even the most spiritually mature person, will face losses.\u00a0 The best preacher in the world will have discouraging days.\u00a0 If you are breathing, you will deal with these things. The question is how we deal with them.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If we can, “Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding.” Psalm 3:5-6 “If in all our ways we acknowledge Him, He shall direct our paths.”\u00a0 When we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, we can count on God to see us through.\u00a0 It may not be easy, but we can be victorious.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We create a spiritual “chill factor” when we try to fix things without God.\u00a0 Then we get upset and develop bad attitudes.\u00a0 We get all prickly inside and it surfaces to the outside.\u00a0 When you really need a hug of comfort, it isn’t good to bristle up like a porcupine.\u00a0 No one wants to hug a porcupine….unless it’s another porcupine.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Most of us have family and friends around us who are ready to comfort and encourage us.\u00a0 They want to help us bear the cold and lonely winter seasons of life.\u00a0 God is our greatest comfort and He will show us how to deal with any situation.\u00a0 He will give us grace and peace through the storms of life.\u00a0 He will give us wisdom and understanding.\u00a0 He will show us what to do or say.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Many people won’t press through when they are faced with a persoanl “chill factor”, but our Lord will not fail us.\u00a0 He will love us through it all.\u00a0 He will guide and comfort us.\u00a0 Life is hard enough, let’s not create a “chill factor” in our lives.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Here in Ohio we often have enough wind during the winter months to measure a wind chill factor.\u00a0 That isn’t the actual temperature, but rather the temperature that it feels like to our bodies because of the wind.\u00a0 Today we have a chill factor of 6 degrees.\u00a0 The actual temperature is 24 degrees.\u00a0\u00a0Brrrrr, that’s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":420,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,14],"tags":[42,17,19],"class_list":["post-986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-encouragement","category-inspiration","tag-choices","tag-courage","tag-faith"],"yoast_head":"\n