In Job 37:13, Elihu, speaking of the winter season sent by God in the natural creation,says, "He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy." Like the winter time of the natural seasons, so the season of spiritual winter is sent by God. As we come to these barren, cold times of spiritual winter, let us seek to know the cause. Is it sent by God to Correct us or chasten us? To freeze out the parasites of worldliness, disobedience, covetousness or unfaithfulness that have crept into our lives? Is it sent for the good of our souls' land that the "fallow ground" might be broken up and a new crop of growth in grace produced? Or is it that He might show mercy and grace to others as they see His power working in us, strengthening us, lifting us in these winter times? Whatever the reason, we may be sure that it is sent from our loving heavenly Father and is an evidence of His love and grace to us.