Thursday, February 2, 2017

The Importance of Godly Training

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today. The bad news...six more weeks of winter! Now Phil has not had extensive meteorological training. There's no evidence that he monitors radar screens or subscribes to any reputable weather sites. However, every February 2, thousands of people flock to a sleepy Pennsylvania town, and probably millions more tune in, in hopes that this rather large rodent will offer some clear sign of what is to come.

Before you sink into a deeper winter funk, however, consider another perspective. Staten island Chuck informed his audience in New York this morning that an early spring was on the way, and Shubenacadie Sam came to the same conclusion in Nova Scotia. Mixed results at best, but in the world of weather prediction, accuracy is not always a given.

Most of us wouldn't put much stock in these hairy harbingers, though Staten Island Chuck is reported to be right 80 percent of the time. Yes, it's fun to see the pageantry and consider the possibilities, but few, if any would make plans accordingly.

In I Timothy 4, Paul wrote about the importance of godly training. "This is a trustworthy saying," he wrote. "This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers." Trustworthiness speaks of integrity, dependability, and strength. Here, there is no fantasy that entertains, no amount of luck that ultimately informs. This is the Word, with God from the beginning, still present and at work in our world. Hope isn't dependent on the whims of creation, but rather, hope is found in the Creator.

There will most likely be some very cold days over the next 6-8 weeks, but I will go out on a limb to predict that there will also be some very nice days mixed in to remind us of the coming spring. Don't be fooled, the Punxsutawney Phils, Staten Island Chucks, and even Shubenacadie Sams of our meteorological fantasies have little to do with the elements of nature around us. I'll trust the Creator who doesn't provide me with weather updates, but does promise to be with me, whatever the weather. That good news will carry me through to spring, summer, and beyond.

Hmmm, WeatherBug tells me that it will be dry and cool over the next few days, even partly sunny and 47 degrees on Sunday. I guess some look to groundhogs...some to bugs. The Creator, however, is Lord of all.
Amen.

Jim Abernathy

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