The Wondering Sheep: Episode 6 – Living the Christian Life

Blizzard Conditions on Sunday!

January 16, 2026

Brrrrr…It’s cold outside! Yup, it sure is. What did you expect? It’s January in North Dakota, after all. I’ve often heard people discuss why God includes cold weather in our world. Because he has a sense of humor? He wanted to give us 3-4 moths without the “Minnesota State Bird (the Mosquito)?” I’ve also heard that it could help our bodies build better immunities to some diseases, makes us tougher (not like the ESPN reports wearing full arctic gear on the football field at 39 degrees). Whatever the reason, God doesn’t make mistakes.   

Those that love skiing, ice skating, and other winter sports really love the season. Even those who love ice fishing! I’ve never been a fan of sitting on ice in the middle of a lake, though. I did have an opportunity of watching a major ice jumping/flying competition - that was really cool (no pun intended). Think of all the jobs winter brings: snow removal, ice skate sharpening, snow cones (maybe not), ski hills, hocky, cross country ski courses, winter clothing, etc. That is a real large part of the economy up here in the tundra.   Some of you love winter, others loathe it. 

Some move anywhere to avoid it. Others are happy to stay here. I like to say that I don’t mind the cold. I just don’t like being cold. We can always put on more and warmer clothing while in hot weather, there is only so much clothing we can take off before we get arrested.  

As Christians, we are supposed to be a reflection of God’s love for us–grumbling about the weather doesn’t really feed that attitude, does it? We can control our attitude toward life in many ways. Do you wake up grumbling in the morning with a real bad attitude? Or do you get up ready for what God is bringing you today with a cheerful, “God, thank you that it’s morning! What do you have planned for me?”   

Have you ever thought of winter as an opportunity to witness? The lack of sun in the season is really depressing for some. Being around someone who takes life as it comes and is mostly cheerful might irritate those folks a lot... on the other hand, you can become a lifeline. A light in the wilderness... or would it be more proper to say a light in the tundra? Anyway, you will be not only be surprised at how others react to you, but how YOU react to you. Life is easier with a cheerful attitude. Remember, God IS in control. He puts us in the places he wants us to be and around the people he wants us to be light for–even if the persons around us are really grumpy about the weather.   

Have you ever wondered why God put you in Fargo in the middle of winter when He knows you may not like the cold? He has his reason. Get into is Word. Come to Bible Study. Let his love fill you and give you the strength to face -10 degrees and the world around your before that first cup of coffee! Remember: God really does love you– even if you have a hard time understanding his plans. He is at work for our own good and the expansion of his Kingdom! If you are cold like what we face in Fargo, warm yourself up with the love of Christ. That will help you in any season, even winter! 😁