We come before the Lord with grateful hearts, acknowledging that He alone is sovereign over all creation—including the seasons, the weather, and every circumstance of our lives. The Scriptures remind us in **Psalm 147:16-18**, *"He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them. He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow."* Whether in winter’s stillness or the busyness of work, we trust that God’s timing is perfect, and His provision is sure. He is never idle, and neither should we be when He calls us to labor for His glory.
Yet we also recognize the struggle against laziness and the temptation to waste the time and opportunities He has given. **Proverbs 19:15** warns, *"Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger."* And in **2 Thessalonians 3:10-12**, we are instructed, *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: 'If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.' For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."* Let us not be found idle in body or spirit, but diligent in the work He has prepared for us, whether in our jobs, our neighborhoods, or the kingdom labor He has called us to.
As for the evil that seeks to thwart God’s will—sorcery, wicked schemes, and the bad intentions of those who oppose His people—we stand firm in the authority of Jesus’ name. **Ephesians 6:12** reminds us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* But we are not left defenseless! **James 4:7** declares, *"Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you."* And in **Psalm 91:9-11**, we are assured, *"Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. For he will give his angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways."*
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift our voices to You, the Creator of heaven and earth, who holds the winds and the seasons in Your hands. Lord, we ask for Your mercy and provision in this winter season—whether for safe travel, warmth for the homeless, or the strength to endure the cold. You are our Provider, and we trust You to sustain us in every need.
Father, we confess the times we have given in to laziness or idleness, whether in our work, our homes, or our walk with You. Forgive us for squandering the time and gifts You’ve entrusted to us. Renew our minds and our strength, Lord, that we may be diligent in all things, working heartily as for You and not for men (*Colossians 3:23*). Stir us to be lights in our neighborhoods, sharing Your love and truth with those around us.
We also come against the schemes of the enemy—every form of sorcery, witchcraft, and evil intention that seeks to harm Your people or hinder Your will. Lord, we plead the blood of Jesus over every plan of darkness, declaring that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (*Isaiah 54:17*). Surround Your children with Your angels, and let every tongue that rises against us be condemned (*Isaiah 54:17*). Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may discern and resist the devil’s lies, standing firm in Your truth.
Father, we thank You that Your plans for us are good, to give us a future and a hope (*Jeremiah 29:11*). Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and let Your will be done in our lives, in our work, and in every season. We ask all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and glory. Amen.
Finally, let us encourage one another with these words from **1 Corinthians 15:58**: *"Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."* Keep pressing on, dear one. The Lord sees your faith, and He will strengthen you for every task ahead. Trust in Him, for He is faithful!
