Vineyards full of grapes, orange and olive orchards, and rice fields fill the landscape. That was my view driving home from the tour yesterday. But as you know, if you read this weekend’s blogs, only a few kilometres down the road, I had just driven through a very different landscape known for how flat and barren it is.
One moment my short-term view was full of not much at all, and then suddenly, it changed to be full of flourishing vineyards, orchards and fields of green.
It’s a bit like how life can be. One moment we are feeling like we are stuck in barrenness, and nothing seems to be happening, and then suddenly, as if a switch has been flicked, things start to change, and life looks completely different. You meet that special person; a door opens for you in your education or career, your health improves, and you get a sudden burst of energy and issues that have caused you sleepless nights suddenly disappear or don’t bother you anymore.
Same, same, same, and then suddenly it's all different, and if you keep walking with Jesus, you'll experience breakthroughs, doors opening, opportunities knocking, and your relationships starting to improve as things click into place.
God's word talks about continuing to be faithful and not growing weary in doing good, for at the appointed time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. He likened it to a farmer who went out to sow his field. The sun went down and came up again, but he did not know which seed would grow fastest or strongest. Each seed grows at its own pace; some quickly, and some a little slower, but they are all designed to grow. The farmer knows he has to prepare the field for planting, sow the seed and then look after what he's planted until harvest time. It’s God’s job to cause what's been planted to grow, not ours. (Galatians 6:9; Luke 8:5 NIV)
Today, I encourage you to look up ahead to what's on the horizon; to your future, and what you believe God is calling you to walk in, and not allow yourself to get discouraged by what may be right in front of you, because things can and do change in a moment. Stay faithful, focused and committed, and Jesus will open doors that no one can shut and cause your landscape to improve and things in your life to fall into place. (Revelation 3:7)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
Prayer; Lord, thank you that you have gone before me. Please help me to look up at the horizon and my future, and not just to focus on what I can see right in front of me. It’s good to enjoy the moment, but please help me have a long-term view so that I will stay encouraged and expectant of good things and keep running my race well. In Jesus name Amen.
コメント