I love spring! The excited chatter of birds, new life leafing green on trees and plants make my heart sing in awesome wonder. How about you? As I sit on my front porch, rocking gently amidst an oasis of color, my heart fills with wells of joy from the profusion of blooming flowers surrounding me. While breathing in fresh life, my eyes look down onto the ground below where spent, wilted blooms have fallen, and I can’t help but think that life is a lot like those faded blooms. Bright and cheerful, in full display one moment, then suddenly limp, in a heap of dismay.
But that’s not the end of the story, for in time, as the soil is nourished with nutrients and life-sustaining water, new buds appear and grow until one day, fresh blooms open up again—beautiful!
And that is how our lives are. Coasting carefree and nearly problem-free, then suddenly cloudy with stormy skies all around. Lightning strikes, our world splinters like kindling, and once again we’re on bended knee, crying out to the only One who can nourish us, who is faithful to pour His life-sustaining water into our parched, dry souls. Time passes, the storm rages, and we hold onto our lifeline of Hope, refusing to let go.
Then one day, as we search the storm clouds above us, a patch of blue appears and soon the sky is lit up with the most brilliant, most glittering light. Strength surges through our battered soul and renewed purpose bursts within our heart. Safe passage through treacherous waters now conquered, and in its wake the debris of things that bound us, that choked out the pure fruit we were meant to bear. And all the while we were carried in the strong arms of Jesus. Now, fresh life and cast-iron resolve spring forth and blossom.
The ebb and flow of life’s challenges, or should I say opportunities, become once again an oasis of color on brilliant display. For when we embrace our setbacks as stepping stones, they no longer are limitations but springboards into God’s amazing plan and purpose for our life.
May we be encouraged today to trust God in every season of our life. His plan is perfect and He works all things out for our good because we love him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. We are blessed!!
Living to love,
Brenda
Hope Renewed
