Daily Wisdom 02-01-2005 Spring Always Comes

But I remember many frozen Februarys in my native state of Michigan when wehad our doubts. With snow drifted high under gray skies and temperaturesdropping below zero, we longed for spring and wondered if it would everarrive. Every year, without fail, the snow eventually melted, the sun warmed the earth, and the buds of spring burst into green.

The unfailing arrival of spring is a sure sign of God's faithfulness. When we feel defeated by one of those inevitable February times in our lives, we can lean on the knowledge that God is faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us. He may not give us everything we want, but He will provide everything we need.

Plenty of times in my life have looked as bleak as February. But with faith and through the grace of God I always was able to move forward, trusting that spring would come again.

Back when the Amway business I co-founded was starting to take off, our aerosol-manufacturing plant burned to the ground. Our company's future looked as dark as the burnt cinders to some. But we rebuilt and moved on.

Our business model was under fire and in danger of being ruled illegal, but we defended our way of business, proved the critics wrong, and moved on. Some saw sales dips as the beginning of the end, but we always came back stronger.

Over the years I experienced a number of serious health issues. There were times of great anxiety and doubt when life seemed as bleak as a cold, gray February day. I waited for a heart transplant to save my life andexperienced a miracle through the grace of God.

Now I can tell people, I've got a new heart. You can have a new heart, too. All you have to do is put your trust in Jesus Christ, our ever faithful Lord and Savior.

Let's reflect in February on the spring we all trust will return. Occasional February attitudes or situations are part of life. They aretimes that can test our faith. But God is faithful, and we have no reason to lose faith. Put your trust in Him. Pray for His strength and guidance to carry you through days that may appear bleak for the moment but that will be overcome.

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Rich DeVos is vice-chairman of Gospel Communications. He is also the author of "Hope From My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life," co-founder of Amway Corp., and owner and chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic.