The image above depicts what our landscape looked like a couple days ago. Within just a short period of time a snowfall of six inches, added to what was already on the ground. In just another short span most of that snow had melted. It looked like we were going to be blessed with an early spring. Living in Minnesota, we know that it can snow all the way into May, so even though folks were donning their shades and flip flops, we knew it was only temporary. Last night the spring rain turned into snow and here we are again, with a fresh slushy snow on the ground. It seems like a kind way for God to water the earth that was scorched by drought last summer. Snow melts slowly and delicately nurtures the soil.

Before Joshua and the army of the Israelites circled the walls of Jericho, the people within those barriers were said to be melting in fear. They had seen the army of this large band of people, and it shook them to the core. The spies that returned with news of the city of Jericho could tell that the people were terrified of God’s army. So much so that they melted in fear.

As we watch the newscasts regarding the devastating war that seems to escalate each day in Ukraine, I can’t begin to imagine the fear that these people are experiencing. Not only is the population being forced from their homes, but men, women and children are losing their lives. The fear must live within those on both sides. For those carrying out the unprovoked terror ordered by a power-hungry man it must be equally difficult for them to follow those orders. As these events progress without outside help, we see fear controlling even the strongest of people.

Fear is almost as destructive as the weapons being used in this battle. I’m sure that’s why heads of government use the tactic of terrorism when the wage their battles. Getting into the mind of people and manipulating them to live in fear of death, danger, hopelessness is vicious warfare indeed and quickly causes folks to lose their faith. It’s a magnified form of bullying at the cost of innocent lives.

It’s hard to see God’s hand in any of this, but He is there. He has a purpose for everything that happens in this life. It is far better that He is in control, because He already knows what the outcome will be. His love for all people, indicates that He wants to bring everyone back to Him. Even in the face of the most horrible things, we can take courage in the fact that Jehovah is in charge. His promises are always kept. His plans are always for our good. He loves us more that we are worthy to be loved. He sacrificed His only Son to atone for our sins. We have eternal life because of that. We also have the inheritance of His kingdom.

Our fear can melt us, but with God as our Champion, we will always win the victory. I call that a generous gift from Him – a slow melting of our hearts in submission to Him alone.