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Winter finally arrived. The temperature dropped only a few degrees below freezing, but to my surprise there was a huge frozen column of ice descending from the outside faucet where the hose is attached. It appeared out of nowhere overnight. The icicle was about six inches in diameter and stretched down for three feet until it reached the ground. It was as clear as glass and reflected the light. Its sides had swirls as if the hands of an artist had sculpted it. I had forgotten to turn off the water supply to the faucet and the hoses had been full of water. As the temperature dropped during the night to a few degrees below freezing, the water was forced to ooze out through the loose connection at the faucet. Gradually, drop froze upon drop until the enormous icicle was formed. If the connection had not been loose, the hose would have been split apart. One or two degrees lowering of the temperature had transformed the trapped water into a tremendous force. There is such power released when water is changed to ice. Only a few degrees difference in the temperature can change everything. Rocks can split, steel can be cracked, and hoses can be ripped open. The frozen
column of water stood as mute testimony to the truth that the slightest
change in the temperature of water can release a transforming power that
cannot be stopped. The same is true for our lives, I think.
The smallest deepening of our convictions, the slightest willingness to
trust more, or believe against all odds and opinions to the contrary, can
bring transforming results to our lives. Nothing can stop the unfolding
power of the soul that becomes convinced that God will and can help us.
According to Jesus, the smallest change in our willingness to trust in God's love, only a few degrees of difference in our willingness to rely on God's power and to accept God's will, can cause the most amazing positive changes to break forth in our lives. --H.S. |