God's Timing

“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all the things which fill it; Let the field be exultant, and all that is in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy.” Psalm 96:11,12

There is an innate joyfulness in nature. Its tenacity to survive and flourish even under harsh circumstances is amazing. My lime tree is an example of this truth. I found it ten years ago in a local museum that houses artifacts that have been salvaged from shipwrecks. It was but a twig, packaged in a cardboard box; it looked like it was on its last breath. It reminded me of myself at the time. It grew well until fall came, through the winter it maintained but it didn't thrive. Sometimes in our spiritual lives we experience seasons of monumental growth only to seemingly languish afterward. God works in these times of dormancy. He is building us up by His Spirit on the inside, so that what flows to the outside is more of Himself. Every year my little lime tree goes through the same sequence of events. Even before the calendar proclaims spring's arrival it begins to sprout a tuft of tender green leaves at its top. Last year I put it out on the front porch on a sunny day and by evening it was too cool for it to be out. All of the lovely new leaves it had sprouted shriveled in the cold air. Thankfully God knows better that I when the conditions are right to be put out in the elements. Prayerfully ensuring that we are in God's will and timing is crucial to fulfilling our destinies in Him. My lime tree has not produced a blossom yet, I transplant it into bigger pots and wait for the day that it does. Someday I will pick fruit from its branches, can you imagine how it pleases God to see His children bearing fruit in Him?

Lord, I pray that we place ourselves directly in Your will. I pray that Your Spirit guides us in all we do, and that we bear much fruit for the Kingdom. In Jesus' name, please help us to do just that. Amen.
Patti