Winter Is Coming. Maybe?
Many scientists believe we are at the tip of drastic planetary change. It is both true and evident that our average temperatures over the past several decades has changed. The winters I knew in my youth are gone, as are the other seasons. We have seen an array of phenomenon, from extreme heat and cold in various regions to intense and widespread fires, droughts, and flooding in places that have not seen such events in many lifetimes.
Climate change is a real thing. But the source of this phenomenon remains to be fully known. Could it be man made as many scientists say? Possibly. We may have advanced technologically over the past two centuries with consequences to water and air quality and God only knows what else. Polution is linked with many medical issues. But can our world, our weather and seasons also be affected? Possibly.
But another known historical factor is a parallel found between drastic temperature changes and the energetic output of the sun (which has cycles or seasons of out put). If you are familliar with the Mayan Calender, it is actually 3 overlapping calenders of various lengths. And these 3 calenders mirror the cycles of the sun. It too goes through cyvles of various lengths.
One such cycle culminates with the Grand Solar Minimum, which occurs roughly every 400 years. It might benefit you to know we just experienced one in recent history- eleven years where the sun has very few solar flares and spots.
Historically, we find accounts of hot summers and mild to warm winters leading up to Grand Solar Minimums. Like what we experienced over the past few decade. These are recorded in journals, government accounts, and uncovered by testing the soil. Etc.
And after this event, the Grand Solar Minimum, mini (short) ice ages occur. They can last for decades and alter the planetary temperatures for many many years after.
Why? Who knows. Possibly a correlation with major volcanic activity that is also historically noted in these times. Juat enough ash enters the atmosphere, and we are freezing.
Many scientists do not believe this will happen to us. They doubt the swift turn because of the other variables. Like human made pollution. And yes, this is also highly likely. The shrinking Ozone Layer has made the sun a more intense experience for us all, burning the skin and soil just a little harsher than it use to. And things are only getting worse, right? We are told these weather and temperature phenomenon will only get worse. Scientists can predict the outcome., and it is dire.
However, We do not always know what we think we know. We should not ignore what our ancestors told us. They lived through extreme heat and extreme winters too, at various times They lived under ground and in caves at various points, even building elaborate cities below which we have unearthed. And our ancestors took note. They recorded these events, these times to pass down to us.
And humans have a bad habit of not listening.
So why is this relevant?
It is in our best interest to trust in God to guide us through these turbulent times, because we do not know what is coming. We must stop relying so much on our own understanding and be ready to pivot for whatever curve ball is coming. Whether science is right or the history will repeat, we must make ourselves ready before the events come. Lives depend on it
In the Bible we see that God raises up certain individuals to sound the alarm. Dreams, visions, and interpretations in the times of Joseph in the book of Genesis, a Prime example. Throughout history, heroes arise to help in dire times. Sounding the alarm, taking leadership positions. And if we are on the tip of a great and dangerous change, those who are being called should begin appearing soon scattered throughout this world.
And those who listen, who take necessary action, who work together for the common good will be ready. Those who close their ear and ignore, who choose to be argumentative and buck at a guiding hand may not be.
It is all the difference between Pharoah who listened when Joseph interpreted, and believed in this message from God, and all of those who laughed and ridiculed Noah just before the flood.
If Pharoah had not wisely planned for what was to come, putting into place the correct leadership for the challenge, storing grains during the 7 years of plenty for the 7 years of lack, his people, and Godās people, would have died. But because they listened and moved ibto action, they saved themselves and others around them.
What can you or your church do in the event of a food shortage? How can you make people ready to endure and come out the other side? What can you innitiate now that might save lives later? And in the process, speak Christ into the lives of others?
Teaching people how to grow gardens? How to can? Maybe turning every neighborhood church into a shelter for warmth when thr power goes out? Teaching people to grow together, taking task, playing a role, and giving to one another in order that many survive? And maybe, shaking off the bitterness, selfishness, drunkeness and rage that has taken so many by heart in our time and becoming the kind of person or people who can hear Godās calling, to rise above the darkness, to be the light, and to make the difference we need when all hope seems lost.
Does your faith move you to move, to help others? We shall see.