Destined to Sprout: Awake Series, Part 10
They sprout and sprout and sprout, no matter where the wind leads them. And then
they grow and grow and grow, thus fulfilling their purpose.
At times I wonder about this process. How can they grow, these tiny seeds
carried by the wind to forlorn places, such as the cliffs facing the tumultuous
Atlantic Ocean. Fierce winds greet them as soon as they stick their head out of
the ground, and then they are bombarded with heat in the summer and ice in the
winter.
However, although they are deposited in the most unusual places, such as these
rocky boulders, they can't help but grow. Though they tend to be small, those
conifers are also quite resilient.
And funny thing: I don't believe anyone has ever heard them uttering a
complaint!
No matter where destiny has placed us, there are advantages to us. It is our
choice to either bloom, or to whiter to nothingness. It is our choice to either
touch lives, or to become grumpy and self-reliant.
There is a reason why Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and
do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV)
God's peace reigns in us. Jesus made sure of that. However discontent often
comes knocking on the doors of our heart and if we let it enter, it will take
full possession, thus chasing God's peace away.
Notice what happens to those who pay more attention to their circumstances than
to God: "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you
will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away
from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will
appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love
of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matt
24:9-13 NIV)
They become useless and grumpy! No kingdom living can be found in them! Instead
they face judgment: "Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be
judged." (James 5:9 NIV)
Let us take heart and know to be content no matter where we are, no matter what
the circumstances, for no matter what, we are in the middle of God's will!
"Each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him
to." (1 Cor 7:24 NIV)
More often than not, we do tend to forget that Jesus is way bigger than any of
our circumstances.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world
you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33
NIV)
We really are destined to sprout!
Rob Chaffart