Come Before Winter and Share My Hope

by Charles R. Swindoll

Every life has its seasons. In the warmth of summer sun, it's hard to believe that the cutting winds of winter will chill us to the bone. But hard times can be a time of spiritual growth and deepening faith. Come Before Winter and Share My Hope is a collection of devotionals to help you prepare for and endure life's inevitable difficulties and heartbreaks, and discover the faithfulness of the Lord who is a Companion and Friend through the storms of life. Come Before Winter and Share My Hope falls into three sections, each of which offers words of reassurance that we are not alone during the wintry days. Before Winter is a time of preparation -- learning how to face the winters of life, confronting the challenge of rising doubts and apprehension. Mid-Winter's blast is a time of perseverance -- enduring those numbing days when adversity howls across our personal landscape like a cold north wind. Winter's end is a time of promise -- finding renewal in God's grace and basking in hope's breakthrough. If you are facing the bitter cold of winter in your soul, these 122 compact meditations from a popular devotional writer and church leader offer encouragement for the discouraging and difficult times of life.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Religion, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Monica Willyard Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that God used to bring deep healing to my heart when it was crushed and broken, when every dream I held dear seemed shattered beyond redemption. From its guidance into nourishing Scripture, I found a God who loves me beyond anything I can measure and who helps me in a very practical, tangible way. I read the book slowly, letting its lessons seap into my dry bones. Slowly, after my bleak winter, spring did begin, and God gave me new, better, more satisfying dreams. I still feel so grateful for this book and keep it near my Bible. I'm looking forward to sharing it with my daughter and niece one day to teach them how to prepare before their winter comes. Now that I've written all of this, I'm going to read from this book for awhile, just to remember the gifts and strength God has given me.

[Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING, my first Swindoll book...thank you Charles for being faithful...Praise God for being Faithful...

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this book periodically. I always find some new wisdom or encouragement that I didn't absorb the last time.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come before winter is a classic--My copy has been read so much and underlined in many places-if you haven't read it -get itin a library or buy it

[Mary Rose Relente · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bible, together with this book, offered me warmth and needed hope in the winter moments of my daily life.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first, I liked the devotionals in this book -- they reminded me of the teaching style from my childhood church -- but before long, I grew tired of them. The illustrations overshadowed the message, and ultimately, I didn't get much encouragement from a book that claims to be about sharing hope.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened me up inside out. Absolutely loved it. Chuck has a way of writing that draws you in and opens your eyes to the sin in your life while still loving on you at the same time. to turn back and accept forgiveness from a loving father above. I am now reading through it again. Highly recommend the devotional ❤

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! I knew immediately after reading the first page that I didn't want to rush. I wanted to digest the content and apply a lot of the principles mentioned in my every life.

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1998 I still have my tattered copy of what is for me my most loved devotional. It gave me hope and Swindoll possesses the gift of encouragement, I consider his writings instrumental in deepening my relationship with Jesus Christ.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated: C+

A collection of brief vignettes offering hope and the assurance that adversity and despair are temporary setbacks we can overcome!

[Cws]

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[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong collection of daily readings. some are outstanding.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great devotional book. If one has a friend that is going through a difficult time I would reccomend giving this as a gift.

[Leslie Jebaraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally do not like devotionals. Come Before Winter is an exception. I love it!

[Patricia Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I am currently searching for it on Amazon to add to my personal library.

[Mar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked some of these devotional readings more than others. 2.5

[Amy Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Bible Study. Quick and to the point, very insightful!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved his encouragement and humor. One of the humblest biblically sound pastor/teacher out there. I am thankful for him and thankful to God for making him such a wise, authentic man.

[Sharon Dorival · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles R. Swindoll's "Come Before Winter and Share My Hope" is a classic in Christian inspirational literature, offering readers a compelling and deeply practical guide to navigating life's inevitable seasons of difficulty. First published in 1985, its enduring relevance is a testament to Swindoll's timeless wisdom and his ability to connect profound biblical truths with everyday human experience.

At its core, the book addresses the reality that life is not always sunshine and ease. We all encounter "winters" – periods of hardship, doubt, temptation, and spiritual dryness. Swindoll skillfully uses this metaphor to explore how believers can not only endure these challenging times but also grow through them. He emphasizes three key aspects:
preparation for the coming "winter,"
perseverance during its cold grip, and the ultimate promise of renewal and God's faithfulness.

What sets this book apart is Swindoll's characteristic blend of insightful teaching, authentic vulnerability, and a conversational, often humorous, tone. He doesn't shy away from complex spiritual issues or the raw emotions that accompany struggle, but rather addresses them with empathy and a steadfast reliance on Scripture. Readers will find his straightforward approach refreshing and his practical applications genuinely helpful.

"Come Before Winter" is structured in a way that allows for both in-depth study and devotional reading. Many appreciate its format, often described as a series of "devotionals" or "vignettes," making it easy to pick up for a few minutes of encouragement or to delve into a particular topic that resonates with current life circumstances. Each section offers rich theological insight alongside actionable wisdom for personal growth.

Reviewers consistently praise the book for its ability to provide solace and guidance during challenging times. Many describe it as a "treasured volume" in their library, a book they return to again and again for its profound message of God's nearness and His unwavering support. It encourages readers to examine their attitudes, cultivate resilience, and ultimately find renewed enthusiasm for their walk with God, even when circumstances are bleak.

While some readers have found certain sections to be more like "lectures" or a bit less fluid in their reading, the overwhelming consensus is that "Come Before Winter and Share My Hope" is a powerful and impactful work. It's a book that invites introspection, fosters a deeper relationship with God, and equips believers to face their own "winters" with courage and an unshakeable hope in the promise of spring. For anyone seeking spiritual encouragement, practical wisdom for difficult seasons, or simply a dose of classic Chuck Swindoll insight, this book remains a highly recommended read.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although some illustrations are outdated (published in 1988), other illustrations are timeless or at least easily applicable to current times. The title implies that the combined works somehow link to seasons, but I did not make any such connection.

I used this more as a daily devotional. Many of the 3-5 page themes struck a chord in my life, past or present. Swindoll is a smooth master storyteller. I recommend anything written by him. He has a great sense of humor, but also a tender side.

[Earl Pestano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without a doubt, Chuck Swindoll is a creative writer and storyteller. I just find some of his writings lacking of sound theological substance on this book - that’s only my negative review. So far, this is a devotional book packed with wisdom, insights, stories with great moral lessons and keen observation of life in general. I will still read more of Chuck’s works.

[Bobbe · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has taken me a long while to get through this devotional. If you are looking for a daily boost with a short scripture, you might enjoy this. I was looking for more depth. There are many devotionals in this volume. There were enough that were meaningful to me to keep reading.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck Swindoll has a wonderful way of making Scripture alive and applicable to daily life. He writes with humor, depth, insight, and humility.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles swindall has always been one of my favorite authors of spiritual books books. He is down-to-earth and rooted in The Bible

[Richard Balassaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chuck Swindoll is one of my favorite authors.
This book is like a daily devotional for those in the "Winter" of life.
Outstanding and helpful book.