Are you tired of staying in the same place, with the same people (or lack thereof!)?
Are you wishing to go somewhere, anywhere, to do something, anything!
Most of us are bored of staying home, waiting for this too, to pass.
I wonder if God ever watches us, wishing we would stop staying in the same spiritual place. That we might get up and do something!
But it’s easier to have the energy and motivation to physically move than to spiritually stretch ourselves, yes?
As I reflect on decades of walking with the Lord, it is the times that I had to stretch myself that drew me closer to Him. Moments of madness. Times or turmoil. Years, yes years, wondering, God, what? How? Why?
He often whispered to my soul, Be Still, and know, I am God. (Psalm 46:10, NIV)
Be still.
O, Lord, You have stilled almost all of us.
Yet, in this stillness, in the unhurried schedule of working from home, schooling my children from home, and taking the dog on a walk during lunch break, He’s near.
During our hours of hilarity, trying to get technology to work, so my husband and I can teach our students online and our own children can complete their own lessons online for their teachers and professors.
Through the one outing a week to visit the store at 7:00 am to pick up the necessities; the return trip filled with thanks to God as we found all we needed.
Through the evening snuggled together with all three daughters, in family games, watching movies, and in deep discussion about everything under the sun. Family bonding at it’s best.
Yes, there is abundant evidence God is growing us; we just had to be still.
So, He allowed us to be quarantined.
Something we would never have authored.
Something we never could have imagined.
Something we honestly would never wish again.
Our hearts go out to the thousands affected by this and the losses of so many friends and neighbors, and the world. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
But through it all, in accordance with who He is, God is working good.
Just as a little seed is planted in the dark, dank dirt, watered and made to be still before sprouting roots and eventually blooms, we are in the time of growing our roots, preparing to bloom one day.
God does know the plans He has for us, and those plans will not hold us here, in this difficult spot one moment longer than He has allowed.
Even when the seed is only seeing darkness, only feeling cold and damp surroundings, fear closing in all around because it can’t see a way out toward the light, we too will find our footing, developing deep roots of faith pushing past the darkness and fear, realizing as we see the Son that no matter how black it may seen, the darkness is not all encompassing.
That not only did we find daylight, but with strong roots of faith supporting us, are ready to bloom, brightening and encouraging others who spend a little time with us.
Many of us are still deep in the dark, finding our footing, rendering placement for our roots, but we will get there.
God will NOT keep us in this hard place forever.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You know the plans You have for me. Plans to prosper me, to give me a future with hope- not to harm me. Lord, these stalled times can so easily instill fear but You tell me to fear not. Please help me to trust in You as I allow You to grow me through this time, still in the darkness. I believe in Your plans, and that as I am still, You will grow me so I might one day bloom for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.