“…we walk by faith, not by sight.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)
Walking across the homestead this time of year, the trees stand bare—stripped of their leaves, their branches stark and skeletal against the winter sky. To the casual eye, they might appear lifeless, dormant, even forgotten. But beneath the bark, unseen by sight, growth is still happening.
Roots continue to stretch deeper. Sap still moves slowly, preparing the tree for its next season of fruitfulness. The tree, though outwardly still, is very much alive.
So too are we.
There are seasons on the homestead—and in our lives—where visible growth seems to stop. Projects slow. Progress halts. Maybe our spiritual lives feel dull or quiet. But what we can’t see isn’t proof that nothing is happening.
2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that not all growth is visible. We are called to walk by faith—not just in seasons of blossom and abundance, but also in seasons of silence and stillness. God does some of His deepest work in the hidden places—in our roots, our character, our trust.
Winter teaches us patience. It reminds us that the rhythms of life include rest, and that God is just as present in the bare season as He is in the blooming one.
Reflection Questions:
- What areas of your life feel “dormant” right now?
- Are you willing to trust that God is still working even when growth isn’t visible?
- How can you deepen your “roots” during this quiet season?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for reminding me that growth isn’t always visible. When I’m tempted to measure progress only by what I can see, remind me that You are at work in the unseen places. Help me to trust Your timing, walk by faith, and find peace in the quiet seasons. Amen.
