“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?” — Job 38:22–23

While storehouses of snow and hail conjure up unbelievable mental pictures of God’s greatness and beauty, they also conjure up other visions as well. Notice that these storehouses are put to other uses than just beauty; they are “reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war.”

What an encouragement to Job and to us! That white stuff is beautiful, and menacing, used in time of trouble and battle and war to advance God’s kingdom. Remember Yahweh’s battle with Pharaoh? “And Yahweh rained hail upon the land of Egypt…very heavy hail” — Exodus 9:23–24

Remember Joshua’s battle at Gibeon? “There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword” — Joshua 10:11

Remember the Lord crushing the Assyrians with hailstones? “…with a cloudburst and storm and hailstones. The Assyrians will be terror-stricken at the voice of Yahweh” — Isaiah 30:30–31

Remember the seventh bowl poured out on Jerusalem/Babylon? “And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds, fell from heaven on people, and they cursed God for the plague of hail” — Revelation 16:21

What a majestic and mysterious Lord you have! He uses even the weather to advance his kingdom, saving his people and destroying the wicked. Praise Him!

The Lord Jesus gave us all a great opportunity this past week to reflect on his power and majesty and mysterious ways.

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war? (Job 38:22—23).

Of course, Job couldn’t answer the Lord’s questions positively, and neither can we. We haven’t been there. But we can be amazed and awed by the poetry of God’s word. Storehouses for the snow? What colossal images that creates in our minds! Storehouses of the hail? That sounds dark and ominous and foreboding as well. We all know the power of hail.

So we got to experience the beauty of God’s creation this past week, with the snow and ice and freezing temperatures. For this we ought to be grateful, thanking the Lord for his wintry world and all the inventions he has created through us to take some of the rougher edges off that wintry world. Losing power, which means losing heat and light and refrigeration and movies and phones, should lead to a gain of appreciation for all of God’s good gifts to us: snow, sleet, cold, ice on trees, fireplaces, refrigerators, heating systems, snowplows, chainsaws, utility workers, family ties and hospitality by friends and loved ones.

Beautiful snow and sleet and loss of power should also make us remember that through this storm, through this weather, through this seasonal change, Jesus is advancing his kingdom and the Great Commission. Chew on that for a little bit by the fireplace, snuggled up with family and enjoying some hot apple cider!

When Pastors engage in counseling they usually receive a lot of “flack” from counselees, like “I have a mental illness,” “I’m a victim,” or “I apologized kind of,” etc. Worse is “I’m letting go and letting God,” or “The Spirit/Jesus hasn’t changed me yet, I’m waiting on him.” That’s not only false, it is a sinful notion: the Bible is clear about Christians and the faithful putting off sin and putting on Christ. Scripture never says “wait till you feel the Spirit.”

“…as you have always obeyed…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” — Philippians 2:12–13. Yes, because God is in you, YOU must move and obey!

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry…But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another…” — Colossians 3:5, 8–9.

“…that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,…” — 1 Timothy 1:18–19. Notice Paul is holding Timothy responsible to act!

“I promise to keep your words” — Psalm 119:57.

“When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies” — Psalm 119:59.

“I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments” — Psalm 119:60

“I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end” — Psalm 119:112.

Even a few from David, an old testament saint! He takes full responsibility (notice the “I’s”)! And so should you!