Who has the plan?
It is Winter. In regions that have four seasons, nature is resting, storing up energy for a new burst of life and light in the Spring. But, recent warm weather in the South has encouraged daffodils (buttercups) to sprout and prepare to display those lovely, sunshiny flowers that beautifully announce the arrival of Spring.
These flowers are optimistic. As nature’s creation, they trust that the warmth of the sun in Spring will foster their growth and glorious display of blossoms to come.
Buttercups exhibit hope and trust in their Creator.
It seems obvious that we should also have this hope and trust in our Creator, yet I confess that I often need these lessons from nature to remind me.
Just as God has a plan for all His Creation, He has a plan for us–a plan that includes our hopes.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plan to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
But, it is still Winter. Heavy rain or wind may come and buffet those flowers that are hopeful Spring has arrived, even in the midst of Winter. Snow may lay a cold blanket that plasters this fresh new growth to the ground, breaking stems and shattering blooms. But, even if that happens, the broken remnants will lift their scarred stems toward heaven and form new blooms when the warmth of Spring returns.
And, so it is with us. Even when the trials come, we have hope. Our Lord promises to renew us in times of trouble.
But those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31.
Hope is a companion to trust.
We hope in our Lord’s promises because we trust Him.
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Our God is our rock, our foundation, our fortress that cannot be shaken.
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
So like the daffodils, buttercups, and other spring flowers that trust in God’s gift of Spring, we can hope and trust in our Lord to keep His promises.
God has the PLAN!
It is too soon to wish you a happy Spring my friends, but I pray that you will have hope and trust that God has a wonderful plan for your future. Wishing you good health and happiness during this season of Winter.
Thanks for the encouragement that God is our hope and faithful rock through all the ups and downs of life!
Those ups and downs (mountain tops and valleys) will come to all of us. Aren’t we blessed that God is always with us? Wishing you a blessed week.
Katherine, your promising analogy reminds us that regardless of circumstances, we can hope in the Lord. He is always at work, always faithful. As I see spring flowers open soon, I think they’ll remind me of your post.
I’m looking forward to those spring flowers to remind us of rebirth, renewal, and the majestic beauty of God’s Creation. Isn’t is amazing that God planned the formation of the Earth and gifted us with the opportunity to live as part of His amazing plan? Thank you for your encouragement, Jeannie.
We are seeing unusual weather here in TX also Ms. Katherine, and some of our forage and flowers aren’t quite what to make of it. It seems the seasons are changing back and forth with such fury that some of the tender sprouts emerging will suffer loss with the next freezing temperature drop. Will they return with spring, or will they be lost until another season? I don’t know my friend, but we both know who does. It’s His divine plan; and our faith gives us hope that in the end, it will be good. The journey may be difficult, but we know the destination is oh so worth it. God’s blessings.
“The destination will be worth.” I know you speak the truth, my friend, but the journey can be so painful. I know the Spring will come. I hear about those Texas bluebonnets from a friend I have in your state. Do you have them in your area? Blessings to you, dear friend and your lovely bride.
I needed to read this, and thank you for writing it, Katherine. Even if the stems crack open, there’s still room for hope to become reality. Because God is God. Such a beautiful message.
Thank you, Katy. And, I needed your encouragement today, my sweet friend. So grateful for your prayers.
God is at work, His wonders to perform. That is the bottom line to all our lives- in sunshine and in storm. That’s why we each need a simple devotional to turn to in the days of struggle. Thanks for your kind, encouraging words.
…rain, hard times and good times…You are right, God is our bottom line. And, even more amazing–he loves us in spite of our imperfections. Wishing you a blessed week!