God Isn't Done With Me Yet
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Most mornings when I get up I start the day with 3 affirmations of God's promises:
- that His mercies are new every morning
- that His grace is sufficient for every need
- that His power is made perfect in weakness
I speak them out loud, and I remind the Lord that I can't possibly make it without Him. I've recently been carrying some problem situations on my heart, so I need these promises more than ever!!
At the same time, I've been reading back through some of my old updates from a few years ago. I am in awe of all God has carried me through. He has been so, so good to me - so faithful. He truly has met me time and time again in my weakness and need. I can't thank Him enough.
I have to admit that I have sometimes felt guilty bringing my needs to the Lord when I see what people in Ukraine are facing. My needs seem so small compared to what they are going through. And then I think that my situation, all our situations could "turn on a dime" and change in an instant. My life turned upside down 6 years ago, and God got me through it. I'm so very, very thankful! And our God who knows all the stars by name is big enough to carry all our problems - big and small.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
God's greatness shines through the most in our weakness, and He gets the glory because we couldn't possibly make it without His help! My trials force me to press in close to Him, and trust Him more fully. I need to live my life to the fullest as I trust Him to be my sufficiency. I am so grateful for His faithfulness.
I love the bougainvilleas that we have here in South Africa. They are so strong and hardy. Even in the stormy rain and wind of winter, they bloom brilliantly. They have beautiful flowers all year long.
So what happened to one of my plants was very surprising. We have a bougainvillea "tree" at the back of our property. Some time ago it was weather damaged and we needed to cut it back. After that - there were no flowers for a long, long time. I was beginning to give up hope that it would ever bloom again.
Then, all of the sudden it literally "burst" into bloom. I share the photo above. It is so beautiful - lovelier than it's ever been. My neighbors have commented on it. I look at it out my kitchen window and admire it.
And, as you might expect, the Lord used it to speak to me. After the roller coaster unexpected journey of recent years, I have felt beaten up and barren. I have found myself feeling so "weathered" that I've wondered if I'll ever recover. Watching what has happened with this plant has given me fresh hope. God isn't done with me yet! I feel He has fresh "blooms" for me, fresh life and growth. I wait in expectation for the good things He has in store for me.
"Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds." Hosea 6:1
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"The God of all grace...after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10
"Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow." Isaiah 55:11
Restoration is a recurring theme all throughout the Bible. I love how we can see it in nature - as my bougainvillea tree has so clearly shown me. God is healing and restoring me from all that has been robbed and lost in recent years. He is faithful!