I’m thinking of life in the winter months in America’s midwest
when sometimes heavy snowfalls there have put us to the test…

Not only have we had to work hard to dig our driveways out;
but it can be quite hazardous, driving out onto an icy, snowy route.

There’ve been the occasional times when we have even slid off the road;
but, then, people would stop to help so that we wouldn’t need to be towed.

These good Samaritans would push us as the wheels of the car were spinning…
because we had tried to back out on our own, with little success at winning.

It often took some time as the car rocked back and forth or swayed…
but the volunteers were confident that they could push us up the grade.

The piles of heavy snow and hidden ice, at last, had to give way…
to the determined push of the strong good guys who definitely saved the day!

When things in this world are troubling and certainly don’t seem right,
remember this picture–of determined teamwork and its breakthrough might.

With faith in God, we can even have His joy and an inner knowing….
We don’t have to stay in a “ditch,” though it’s been so heavily “snowing”!

P. A. Oltrogge

Postscript:

We might think the problems we’re facing are more like blizzard conditions;
but storms subside or end, so let’s persevere, giving God our fervent petitions.

The remembrance above is from country roads years ago, which didn‘t have the busy traffic of today; but the image in my mind spoke of Christian teamwork in action and of earnest continued prayer for life in today’s tough situations….so that we may not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12: 9-21 NKJV and all of Romans 12

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV

Encouragement day or night at http://www.govictory.com and Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m. ET