We recently traveled to Tennessee. Our suitcases were packed with the expectation that spring had arrived. Yet instead of sunshine, we were showered with snow. Winter has lingered long; the skies are dreary and the sun seems like a distant memory. Yet despite the frigid temperatures, I spotted optimistic flowers making their appearance, certain that spring will eventually come.

Because no matter how long an underground creature predicts winter will last, spring always comes, bringing a resurrection of light and new life after a frigid season of long dismal days.

My heart also follows seasonal patterns. I go through prolonged winters of grief, brokenness, sorrow, affliction and trials. I walk through dark valleys of depression that seem to never end. And just when it seems that the shadows have permanently enveloped me, the sun begins to radiate its light into my dark world. Like the buds on a tree opening toward the sun’s light, my heart feels the warmth of renewed life and opens in hope and expectation.

Following brokenness, sacrifice and death, resurrection of new life blooms, unfolding its wings to the light of faith.

Abraham knew something of resurrected hope. In Genesis 22, Abraham took his only son Isaac, on a long hike up Mt. Moriah. Carrying wood, and his father the fire, Isaac wondered aloud, “Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” Little did he know that he was intended to be that lamb.

Abraham, however, did know what awaited Isaac at the top of the hill. Had he shared it with his wife before they left? Did she know what God called him to do? Perhaps he thought about the grief she would endure. I wonder about his thoughts as they made that three-day trip. Did he think back to all the joyous times he had with his son? Did they chat about fond family memories? When they made camp at night, did the brightly shining stars overhead seem to mock him?

Unlike Jonah, who centuries later ran from God’s command, Abraham obeyed God’s instructions and made plans to sacrifice his only son. He believed in God’s promise that he would have as many children as the stars that twinkled in the night sky. He walked forward through the cold darkness of sacrifice, believing that resurrection and new life would follow. He believed what Paul later told the Romans, “God works all things together for good.” (Rom. 8:28)

As Abraham stood there over his son, knife trembling in his hands, he looked in Isaac’s eyes for one last time. And just as he brought the knife down toward Isaac’s chest, the angel of the Lord stopped him. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” (Genesis 22:12) God then provided a substitute, a ram caught in the thicket. Abraham had shown that his love for God was greater than even his most favored possession, his own son.

Hope was resurrected after the dark journey of sacrifice.

The trek up Mt. Moriah foreshadowed Jesus’ own walk up Calvary’s hill. Jesus also knew what lay ahead of Him. He knew that this time it was He who was the substitute sacrifice. He obeyed, endured, and walked through the darkest night-for you and for me. He knew that sorrow, brokenness, and death pave the way for new life. Spring always follows winter; joy comes in the morning.

My heart’s most ominous and darkest winters have led to a resurrection of renewed trust and hope in God. Being broken before Him, laying my heart bare on the altar, and enduring trials for His sake- these are all sacrifices that give birth to greater joy and faith. Clinging to Him and hoping in His promises, despite the ever darkening skies that loom overhead, brings me closer in communion with Him. And believing that spring and new life will come, gives me the certainty I need to endure whatever trial and sacrifice that lie ahead.

Abraham’s faith led to a resurrection of Isaac’s most certain death; Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross led to new life for those who believe. In fact, it is because Jesus rose from the grave that we have the hope of new life forever. One day, all our seasons of brokenness and sacrifice will culminate in a final and complete resurrection. It is then that all our hopes will become sight and our tears forever wiped away.

Until that day, we can endure long winters, knowing that spring will come. And when spring finally arrives this year, each flower that blooms will be a beautiful reminder of the hope and new life that follows not only the dark seasons of our lives, but also of our ultimate hope in eternity.

Do you see evidences of spring and resurrected hope in your heart?

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