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We should never allow ourselves to become stagnant in life simply because
things are not going exactly the way we would want. In the midst of the
storm we must remember that God is still in control and that all things
will work together for our good. We must stand firm in the difficult times
and remind ourselves that God does not create anything without a purpose
and plan in mind. He is our Creator and wishes for us to succeed and
prosper in everything that we do. (Romans 8:28) (Jeremiah 1:5) (3 John 2)
Encourage yourself today knowing that you have every ability instilled to
fulfill the plans God has for you. Believe in yourself as God believes in
you and reach forward in confidence fulfilling every dream and desire that
has lain dormant in your heart.
I hope this message ministers to your heart to believe in yourself and
start pursuing those desires and dreams that have been on your heart. With
God on your side, all things are possible to those who believe.
GROW
No, there's no theme here. I'm not challenging myself to write stories
with one word titles. I did discover that one word can mean so very much.
One word can carry a lot of weight.
Words like, “yes,” “no,” “stop,” “go,” “win” and “lose,” seem to be
particularly important to us.
So, it came as no surprise to me when, on one early morning in late
October, I walked out my door and saw it.
It must have been there for at least a day or two. I might ask myself why
I didn't see it before. But I know why. I wasn't meant to see it then.
It had to be that day.
It is how God works. It is how God teaches me to see when I am trying to
hear. It was my “yes” when I thought He was saying “no.”
It is how God makes me “stop” when I am on the “go.”
He shows me how to make something a “win” when I thought I would “lose.”
I was rubbing the night dreams from my eyes as I opened the door. It was
still dark and I wanted it that way. I wasn't looking for the bright side
of anything. I needed to slip into this day slowly, so when I stepped out
onto the deck and stood there waiting for my dogs to come back in, I made
no effort at all to even notice anything.
But, in God's plan for me, this little thing would appear so much bigger. I
have no idea how it got there. I can't even imagine that it just fell and
took root, but it certainly took advantage of wherever it ended up.
There is about five feet from by back door to the railing that surrounds a
small deck. One step up and you have access to our hot tub.
The thick brown cover used to keep the tub hot when not in use, has a
handle on each end. To remove it you simply fold one half on top of the
other and then slide it off to one end. Each handle is made of fabric and
carefully stitched into the vinyl for strength.
That morning in the darkness of a cold October day, I discovered a small
seedling growing from the seam of the handle facing the door.
It was about 3/4 of an inch tall and the only survivor of the first plant
killing frost of autumn that very day.
I rubbed my eyes again and went back into the house to get my glasses. Upon
closer look, I was amazed at what I saw. This tiny seed found its way into
the side of the handle and without hesitation and against all odds it began
to grow.
There it was. “Grow.” It was spectacular! Fabulous! Wonderful! Now eager
to see the sunrise I hurried through my morning routine and grabbed my camera.
I had to capture this. I had to take this picture and place it somewhere
where I can be reminded every day.
Reminded of what?
Everything does not have to be perfect. Nothing has to make complete sense.
All the parts don't have to be in place. All plans don't have to be made
nor the timing absolute. You hear “no” but feel, “yes”; You want to “go”
but feel the need to “stop”; You want to “win” and fear you might “lose.”
Take a moment to realize that everything God wants for you, everything God
sees in you, everything you are and everything you will be is already ready
inside. Like the seed, wherever you land you can “grow.”
When the seed ended up in the handle of my hot tub, it did not waste a
moment to moan, complain, whine, cry or curse. Right where it was, God
provided everything it needed to become everything He created it to be.
You might well point out that it is not where seeds belong. It will not
thrive there. It is doomed and wasted.
You would be wrong.
It was chosen by God to be there for me when I needed to be encouraged and
inspired. And in turn, God knew I would share this with you.
A seed planted. A man inspired. A story shared.
It's not where you are planted, but how much you “Grow.”
Now . . . Grow!
By Bob Perks
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Deuteronomy 28:12-13 “The LORD shall open unto thee His good treasure, the
heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the
work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt
not borrow. And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and
thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou
hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee
this day, to observe and to do them.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
profession. For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with
the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we
are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath
begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: OUR MASTER CAN
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem126.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: THE DAY THE ANGELS REJOICED
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony133.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
