I had some sort of episode this past weekend. It’s been bad since then. Really bad. I would covet your prayers. But it is so important for me to continue the work God has planted in my heart. I’m equipped to share the hope He has watered and grown through this difficult journey. And I won’t stop speaking His praise till I can speak it to His precious face.

And so, without further ado, my offering for this week:

 

Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.” – Isaiah 35:1-4

Sometimes it feels like we’re planted right in the middle of a desert, doesn’t it? Having lived in a desert for many years (an actual physical desert), I can tell you that it may seem that God has forgotten this place.

The glare of the sun is unrelenting, the predators look to gobble up any plant for it’s moisture. The rain is so rare it’s almost completely absent. The soil is rocky and sandy, so loose as to blow away with the slightest breeze.

But I can also assure you that God is here in this desert in deeper ways than He ever is in the fertile places. You have to look harder, but when you do you will see how He equips the plant rather than the environment.

Instead of sending frequent rains, He grows and strengthens the plant’s roots to burrow down deeper into the soil, seeking the moisture through a firmer grip, rather than a simple opening of its leaves and petals. The sandy soil, rather than being a hindrance, provides exactly the means for that root to grow deep with less resistance. The rocks allow the water to drain right down immediately into the deep places in the earth where the roots go, rather than remaining on the surface for the sun to dry them up. God is equipping the plant to be able to flourish in this inhospitable place.

And one more thing… hold onto your hats for this one. God chooses with great care the plants that He places in the desert. He knows which ones are up to the task. He sees which blooms are the strongest.

Even in this starkest of landscapes, there is a spring season that will knock your socks off!

Blooms, vibrant and stunning, stand in stark contrast to the barren backdrop.

They are brilliant defiance, standing as a testimony to what only the power of our Great God is able to accomplish.

And so, my dear ones, are you.

And that is blooming where you are planted.

 

God our Father, You reign, and for this we are eternally grateful. Thank you for being with us, most especially in this desert. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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May God Bless You,

Shelly