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James 5:7 So, brothers, be patient until the Lord returns. See how the farmer waits for the precious “fruit of the earth” — he is patient over it until it receives the fall and spring rains.[James 5:7 Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Joel 2:23] 8 You too, be patient; keep up your courage; for the Lord’s return is near.
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The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. [Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV)]
Over two years ago, I bought a small fig tree and planted it in the garden. It didn’t do well and looked as if it were dying. I dug it up and put it in a large pot. It stood in the pot for a long time, struggling to thrive. During the winter, I dug another hole in the garden where the drainage was better, and I replanted the bare tree.
With the coming of spring, I watered and inspected my tree daily. I found no sign of life. New leaves were appearing on other trees, but the fig tree was bare. It looked like a dead stick. I gave up all hope of its reviving. Yet some time later, I saw the tiniest tip of a green bud. The fig tree eventually came to life, and recently we ate our first fig from it.
As I write this, I see that nothing and no one is too far gone for God. Just as I persisted in resettling my tree as it struggled to grow, so God is continually resettling, redirecting, and moving us along into growth and fruitful production. The process can be uncomfortable and challenging, but we are assured, as we place ourselves in God’s hands, that new life and fruit will spring forth in time.
See a photo of Joan and her fig tree, here.
Thought for the Day: God only requires me to take one step at a time.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be patient as you work in and with me to bring about new life. Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE I CAN ENCOURAGE
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James 5:7 So, brothers, be patient until the Lord returns. See how the farmer waits for the precious “fruit of the earth” — he is patient over it until it receives the fall and spring rains.[James 5:7 Deuteronomy 11:14; Jeremiah 5:24; Joel 2:23] 8 You too, be patient; keep up your courage; for the Lord’s return is near.-------
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. [Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV)]
Over two years ago, I bought a small fig tree and planted it in the garden. It didn’t do well and looked as if it were dying. I dug it up and put it in a large pot. It stood in the pot for a long time, struggling to thrive. During the winter, I dug another hole in the garden where the drainage was better, and I replanted the bare tree.
With the coming of spring, I watered and inspected my tree daily. I found no sign of life. New leaves were appearing on other trees, but the fig tree was bare. It looked like a dead stick. I gave up all hope of its reviving. Yet some time later, I saw the tiniest tip of a green bud. The fig tree eventually came to life, and recently we ate our first fig from it.
As I write this, I see that nothing and no one is too far gone for God. Just as I persisted in resettling my tree as it struggled to grow, so God is continually resettling, redirecting, and moving us along into growth and fruitful production. The process can be uncomfortable and challenging, but we are assured, as we place ourselves in God’s hands, that new life and fruit will spring forth in time.
See a photo of Joan and her fig tree, here.
Joan and the fig tree she mentions in today’s meditation
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The Author: Joan Lake (New South Wales, Australia)Thought for the Day: God only requires me to take one step at a time.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be patient as you work in and with me to bring about new life. Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE I CAN ENCOURAGE
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