Mid-Week Message - All Things New

"And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:5 (ESV)

Life has been trying for our family since the end of December.  My husband went through a terrible illness, had surgery, spent three weeks in the hospital, endured having to do IV antibiotic treatments at home and, to top it off, lost his job.  It is now May and we are only now beginning to get our lives back to a semblance of normalcy.  We have shed many tears and spent much time in prayer seeking God's guidance and deliverance.  

Yesterday, my beloved had a phone interview so I took our dogs out in the car so that he wouldn't have to worry about them barking during his call.  As I usually do, I went to get coffee then headed to a quiet place to park and wait until time to return home.  Interestingly, I parked in front of a tree that had a new growth of leaves coming from the middle of the trunk.  As I sat and pondered that, the verse above came to my mind.  

Now, I don't know if you believe that God talks to you or not, but I know He does to me.  So I recognized His voice and felt reassured that His answer to our dilemma is imminent.  The interview went wonderfully and, in addition, we had two showings of our house (which is for sale) scheduled for last evening.  The house is another issue we have been praying over.  Then, we had another showing today.  

When winter arrives, trees and other plants look as though they die off.  But then spring comes and new life springs forth.  All of us go through winters once in awhile.  But just like in nature, eventually, winter passes and what appears lost becomes alive again.  Just when all seems hopeless, God turns everything around and blessings come from unexpected places, just as the new growth on the tree I saw came from the middle of the trunk rather than the top.  We just have to hold on and trust that the day is coming when the Lord will reveal His plan, and He always does.  

It can be very difficult to trust when nothing seems to be happening.  I know that all too well.  However, when we wait upon the Lord, expecting to see miracles, then when life begins to improve, we know where to direct our praise.  Wherever you find yourself today, I pray that you are able to say, "Lord, I know you have a plan and that you will cause all these things to work together for good.  Help me hang onto your hand for just a little while longer."  God bless you!