Thursday, February 27, 2014

Excerpt from Storms of Life, Green: Growth




When I think of green, I think of my lawn – of what it could be if I nurtured it. We put in a sprinkler system so it gets watered. But food? There’s no auto-feed system out there for grass.

I know I’m supposed to feed it in the fall, to give it nourishment to carry it through the winter. I know I’m supposed to feed it in the spring, to give it energy to burst out in new green…well, green something. My philosophy is: If you keep your lawn cut, no one can tell if that pretty green is grass or weeds.
 
Enough of my poor gardening techniques!

 
 What nourishes us as we walk through a winter storm? How do we find the strength we need to put one foot in front of the other? Where do we find the truth we need to continue trusting God? Only God’s Word can sustain us and encourage us to grow in faith, even in the storm.


Storms of Life Chapter 6, Day 5

When we focus on God’s truths they lift our spirits; He is the Father of peace, not doubt and confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33a). Even during suffering, an underlying bedrock of peace and joy will allow you to feel hope.

God’s Word is Truth: timeless, changeless, a Light for your heart and soul when all else is in darkness (Isaiah 40:8; Mark 13:31; 1 John 1:5b). Truth is not a whim that blows in the wind. Truth is the person of Jesus Christ, who loves you so much He died for you and is now seated in Heaven, interceding for and ministering to you. 

Truth…stands on the Rock of God’s character and is expressed in every promise spoken by His faithfulness. God is the Father of peace, joy, strength, wisdom, hope, and so much more. Focus on Him! Let His Word become your Bread of Life and your Living Water to sustain you in the wilderness of suffering.”

The idea of growth and the reality of suffering seem to be contradictory. How can we grow when we can’t stand up straight? How can we learn of Him when we our minds are overwhelmed with confusion? How can we cling to His promises when we’re too weak to grasp hope for tomorrow?

Only when we stubbornly look to God’s Word can we grow in faith. His truth’s a firm foundation, His Bread and Water clear our minds of confusion. His reveals Himself to us in new ways and strengthens our walk with Him.
 
 
Allow God to nourish you with His Bread and Water and you will grow in faith.
 
How has God nourished you during a storm?
How have your faith grown as you walked through a difficult time?


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2 comments:

  1. Sherry,
    Thankful God brings us through all the storms. We've had about enough snowstorms up here to last us a while : )

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    1. Sorry I'm so slow thanking you for your comment. I've been in Pittsburgh playing with my 2 perfect grandchildren. :) Pittsburgh's had a ton of snow, too.
      God is faithful. isn't He? PTL!!

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