Monday, November 26, 2018

When Life Breaks Forth

By: Joanne Viola



She had been drooling a little more than one would think for three months old and so, we never even thought to check her gums. But when her tongue began moving about as if to wonder what she was feeling, I gently ran my finger over her lower gums.

Much to our surprise, there wasn't one tooth but two already poked through the gums.

We clapped with excitement and joy at what had come so unexpectedly. Teeth had not been on our radar as we were so focused on her reaching and holding toys.

One day Jesus was being harassed by the Jewish leaders for breaking the Sabbath rules. Apparently, healing a man who had been sick for thirty eight years was considered "work" on the Sabbath.

“But Jesus responded, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17, NLT)

Sometimes we go through difficulties and we do not see God at work in the middle of them. May the words of Jesus bring encouragement. God is always at work, in ways that may be hidden from plain sight. Other times, we see His activity but it’s different than we had expected.

And Jesus reminds us, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” 

Jesus, the logos, the living Word. His Word is an accomplishing word, it always produces and brings life …

“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:11, NLT)

And much like those two little teeth, life breaks forth in our circumstances as well …

“You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” (Isaiah 55:12-13, NLT)

Hang in there and trust God. He is at work, always at work.

He will bring redemption and restoration to our lives
much like a desert being transformed into a forest.

Or like teeth poking through the gums!


In His Love,
Joanne 


 

5 comments:

  1. Amen! I've learned to quit looking for evidence of what I want to have happen, and look for evidence of God's work instead. My looking always brings unexpected joy!

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  2. Anita, you always bless me! And you are right, as we look for evidence of God's work, He always brings unexpected joy. It bursts forth!

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  3. Joanne ... thanks for this sacred reminder that God is always at work. I'm so grateful He's not done with any of His beloved children!

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  4. It's good to remind ourselves now and then, Linda, of the many ways our God bursts into our lives. For as we do, He fills us with hope. Blessings!

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