Men are like trees planted by the rivers of water. Green and fertile because of faith in Him, producing fresh and bountiful fruits in season. Gifts that are well preserved. Never dropping a leaf and always in blossom. Fat and full, chewing on Scripture day and night.
God leads them from place to place in victory parade. Through them, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere they go, people breathe in the exquisite, sweet fragrance. Because of Christ, they give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation. Shining brighter in darkness, never hiding what they hear or how they live. Each lit like a Christmas tree on a window, planted by God to display His glory. Decorated with ornaments that are old. The memories of who they were and where they came from. Sharing their stories. The new ornaments embrace the new life they now live and speaking of hope for the future. The stars a the top of each tree point the way to those that are looking for the One True King, born inside of them. The angels join them in praise and worship all around. Joy being fulfilled!
Revelation 2:7 (The Message)
Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the Churches. I'm about to call each conqueror to dinner. I'm spreading a banquet of Tree-of-Life fruit, a supper plucked from God's orchard.
Mark 8:24, Psalm 1:2-39(MSG), Galatians 5:22(MSG), John 15:5-8; Song of Solomon 5:1, Song of Solomon 7:13(MSG), 2 Corinthians 2:14-16(MSG), Matthew 25:7, Luke 8:16, Isaiah 61:1, Matthew 2:2, John 17:13
Offense and rejection came rushing in like a flood. Just like two friends that are warmly welcomed in my house of pain. They know exactly when to knock on my door and I always end up needing help from my Savior to get them out.
I interviewed for the position and afterward was told that they chose someone else. The first time I went for it I felt like I hit a wall so hard my face was soar. It hurt to smile. I was inspired and encouraged by all but in the end I was told it was not the right time for me. When the time finally came, I was invited to go through the process again. All seemed just right. This time I actually got to go through the interview process and grateful to be getting another shot, I took a chance. I felt great about it but when I left the interview I took a deep breath and realized that I had braced myself as if about to be punched in the stomach. The blow did come the very next day when I got the phone call and was told that someone else more qualified was offered the position.
As I began to process all of this, I remembered the story of Mary before giving birth to Jesus. How she had to travel a long and bumpy ride on a donkey to another town but when they arrived were told that there was no room in the inn for them. Here she is, pregnant and in labor with God’s only Son and getting the door shut in her face. Any one of us would have expected prior reservations and the welcoming arms of the King and Queen in the palace, because that makes sense to us. But that’s not the way God chose. The good news is that no room for them in the inn could not stop God's promised Son from being born, but it is probably not how they expected it.
I may be feeling like a woman who’s pregnant with twins, Purpose and Destiny. Pregnant with promise. Feeling uncomfortable and in pain from the hard and bumpy long ride. Needing and looking for a place to rest and give birth but also hearing the screeching loud voice telling me that there’s NO ROOM in this inn for YOU!!!
Not that any desired job or position is the ultimate destination here. God really cares about the atmosphere that surrounds the people in the place you go to everyday because it has the potential to change everything. It may not turn out the way we think or planned but it will be perfect in the end. Trusting in God’s plan to direct us in the right direction requires patience because He’s not in a hurry and He has a time and a purpose for everything.
I pray to the One Who is True, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens. Rev.3:6-8, to be the One in charge of all the doors in my life. I have to admit that it’s very hard on the flesh to see doors shutting before you. I have to trust in the Lord’s protection over me and those that are mine. He knows what's best. My spirit may know and recognizes the Lord’s peace about this not turning out the way I thought. However, my flesh needs more time understanding why things happen the way they happen and is a constant work in progress.
It is here that His Spirit brings me comfort and tells me not to be afraid. He is with me to bring divine purpose and destiny into my life safely. He will fill the voids of my heart and any sense of emptiness resulting from the changes that are taking place, as I put my trust in Him.
My prayer is that anyone reading may be encouraged in their journey. To know that the Lord has a great plan and purpose for everything we go through. The hard places are not in vain and you can choose to see Him directing your steps if you ask Him. It may not be easy at times because we really don’t know the end from the beginning. But, we can trust in a God who does. And He reminds us along the way that the road we travel is the path of triumph, no matter what.
Revelation 3:8 I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My Word, and have not denied My name.
