Sandcastles in the snow

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

While walking around the frozen Cherry Creek Reservoir last December, I spotted something this Georgia girl never thought she’d see in frigid Colorado – sandcastles in the snow. Surrounded by the vast openness of the frozen tundra, these pint-sized constructs might have been easily overlooked. Yet to me, their diminutive structure stood as more than just an anomaly – their creation spoke of the promise of things to come. 

There’s much to be said about normalcy in life. Our routines give us confidence, and venturing into the unknown can be quite daunting. I must admit to feeling more than a little lost in my new workplace lately. As the newest staff member in a 60,000 person company, I’ve been grappling with my insignificance these past few weeks. I told a former co-worker that I feel like a tiny minnow in a school of sharks right now. While I assured her that I would swim out and find my place in the ocean, I know it will take considerable time and massive effort to do so. 

I can’t help but think about how the Israelites let their fear overpower them and prevent them from entering the Promised Land. In the Old Testament story, God told Moses to send twelve spies into the land in Canaan to provide a report of the riches the Lord had in store for the people of Israel. Rather than trusting in the Lord’s strength, ten of the spies came back fearful of the size of the people and fortresses they’d seen.

Of the twelve men sent, only Caleb and Joshua remembered God’s assurance of protection and did their best to instill confidence in their fellow Israelites. 

“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” (Numbers 14:7-9)

Rather than trust the words of these Godly men – and more importantly – their Creator – the Israelites became fearful and seemingly forgot all the miracles the Lord had demonstrated to them as He led them out of Egyptian captivity. Their fear and mistrust not only caused them to grumble against God, but mob-rule nearly caused them to sin further by stoning Joshua and Caleb for their testimonies. Were it not for Moses’s prayerful petitions on behalf of the Israelites, God would have struck them all dead for their wicked behavior and their doubt in His promises. 

Proverbs 30:5 tells us that “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.” Just because we can’t see Him doesn’t mean that God isn’t with us and acting on our behalf. Quite the contrary. He is always doing so. 

While each of us will face situations where fear of the future may threaten to overwhelm us, we have only to remember that God has promised that there is a Promised Land ahead for all who believe in Him. We have only to keep our eyes on Christ and remember that He will see us through. Just as sandcastles in the snow remind us that warmer days are just ahead, God’s Word assures us that He has provided for our futures.  

My mind may have a hard time imagining all that is in store for me, but that doesn’t diminish its reality or greatness. Rather than focusing on today, I choose to look to tomorrow as I trust in God’s promises and provision. 

Look to Christ, beloved, and do the same.