No birds sang, no crickets chirped. As the wind howled in the dark, starless evening, I wrapped myself in additional blankets to keep the chill from entering my bones. As I drifted off to sleep, I imagined that even the animals were huddling together to find warmth on this brisk winter night.

In the early hours of the morning, the light awakened me. Looking outside, I saw the sun peeping over the horizon, brightening the landscape with its life-giving rays. I heard the soft melody of the birds and the rustling of animals scurrying about. My heart rejoiced. Summer was coming!

Divine providence led me to a beautiful passage that made my spirit soar. “The time spent here is the Christian’s winter. Here the chilly winds of affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against us. But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sighing will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian’s summer. All trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness or death” (Help in Daily Living, p. 14, Ellen White). How amazing is our God!

No matter what 2019 has brought to your life—joys or sorrows, life or death—remember that this is only temporary. Soon we will see our precious Savior coming to take us home. Soon the trials and pain endured here will be fleeting shadows compared to the glories we will have for eternity. Soon we will be reunited with loved ones and never part again. May it be very soon!

“But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).

Stay faithful my brothers and sisters. Jesus is coming very soon!

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