No projects to share today... just some encouraging words.
I found my favorite devotional book the other day. It was packed up in the basement with a few other things. Just a box that was missed but I was so happy to find it. It's called Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman and edited by James Reimann. It was given to me as a gift in high school and the timing of it was perfect. My heart was heavy and weary at that time. The Lord met me in that place and I began to understand what the scriptures meant when they said "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9. That time of weariness and weakness became a time of tremendous growth. I found the best place to be was before the Lord with my broken heart seeking only what He wanted to teach me. That is what this devotional book is all about... finding streams in that desert place.
Consider the lesson today for January 7th:
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" Philippians 4:11
Let me summarize and quote a few of the things written for today...
She starts this devotional by making note of the fact that when Paul wrote those words he was in a dark prison cell "being denied every comfort". I love that perspective and the reminder it brings with it. It's such a rare thing to find in our present day... contentment. When you see it, it is truly a rare and beautiful sight to behold.
Next she moves on to share a little story about a king and his garden. Basically what has happened is that despair has taken over the garden. Everything is wilting and dying. The king goes around asking the trees, vines and flowers what the problem is. They each have an answer and it goes a little something like "the pine was troubled because it could not bear grapes like the grapevine...the geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac". You get the idea right? Well, the king then comes to find one beautiful little violet and says "Well, violet, I'm glad to find one brave little flower in the midst of this discouragement. You don't seem to be the least disheartened." The wise little violet replies "No, I'm not... Since I knew you wanted a violet, I'm determined to be the best little violet I can be."
She also shares this quote: "Others may do greater work, but you have your part to do; and no one in all God's family can do it as well as you."
She ends the devotion by saying this... "People who are God's without reservation 'have learned to be content whatever the circumstances'. His will becomes their will, and they desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do. They strip themselves of everything, and in their nakedness find everything restored a hundredfold".
May we all find the courage and strength to be like the brave little violet. She knows and understands her Creator and the love He has for her.
There is a purpose and a role you are called to play... don't miss out on what the Father has planned for you. He will give you strength for the journey and can even provide steams of life in that seemingly hopeless desert place.
I hope this encourages your heart! God Bless.
Join with me this year as I revisit one of my favorite devotionals.
I plan to share more from it.
