We have just had the USBA regional hui. It was a great time of associating, as we Baptists do, and one of the fun icebreakers had us all sitting or standing depending on whether we preferred books or movies, sweet or salty, summer or winter.
It got me wondering whether many of us have an internal setting for how easily we connect with and hear from God. I'm borrowing the phrase here, but perhaps some of us are naturally more "fair-weather" Christians, while others are more "foul-weather" Christians.
Someone close to me, would definitely fit the "foul-weather" category. When life is stressful or uncertain, they instinctively seek God's presence. I suspect I'm more of a "fair-weather" Christian. I find it easier to notice God when life feels settled and sunny, and I have to be much more intentional about pressing into him when the skies become cloudier.
Neither is better or worse. It may simply be part of how we're wired.
What I've been pondering is how we recognise our natural tendency and then practise the habits that help us become "all-weather" Christians. The daily quiet time. The consistency of using something like Lectio 365. A monthly examen prayer. The commitment to gather with other Christians, whether we feel like it or not. These practices quietly train us to notice God's presence, whatever season we find ourselves in and give us the resilience to ‘weather’ all of life.
I wonder where you naturally find yourself. Do you meet God more easily in seasons of sunshine or in seasons of struggle? And what practices might help you recognise his presence in the other season too?
Colleen
144 Sawyers Arms Road
Christchurch, New Zealand
+64 3 352 4227