Dear friend: new beginnings
August 27, 2010 | Faith: Knowing Christ, Q&A: Dear Friend
“I’m just like that seed, Suzie. The one that is on the rocks. I knew Jesus as a child, but got lost from my faith. Later I tried again, but I let other things get in and take away my faith. Is it too late? R. M.”
Dear friend,
Yesterday in the Bible study I told the story of the bulbs that my brother gave me. How they lay in my garage trapped in a dark bag, and yet one day I found them breaking through the lining, sprouting tender leaves that reached for the narrow shaft of light coming through the garage window.
I took them out of the bag and callously left them lying on the ground. Some days I tossed water at them. Other days it rained. They continued to try to sprout, but some of the leaves withered from neglect and a lack of nourishment.
One day I stood looking at the bulbs. I had to make a decision. I needed to either toss the bulbs or plant them, so I planted them. To be honest I didn’t expect much.
Those bulbs are now well over 6 feet tall. They are beautiful with large, broad leaves and rich, red blooms. I’m amazed by them each time I sit on my deck. I love looking at them.
I believe that creation is often a reflection of the Creator.
I think that often we believe that we’ve failed to such a degree that there is no hope, or that God has given up on us. We may find ourselves in a dark place, or a place where we’ve learned to exist without that relationship.
But the good news is that God is unchanging. The promise that He makes to love, to transform, to lead, to live inside of us is not altered by man. It’s simply not possible. So, in answer to your question: No, it’s not too late.
His love flourishes in a person whose heart is receptive and open to Him. It’s there. All the time. His love, looking for soil in which to plant, and grow, and deepen roots that anchor a heart and the person to which it belongs.
We were never intended to live apart from the love of God, sis. That’s what you feel. That’s the longing I heard in your honest note. I’m so glad that you took the time to write, because this is the good news.
In Mark 4:20 Jesus Himself shared that the seed that flourishes is a picture of the person who listens and accepts the Word of God, and that simple act can produce a harvest of thirty, even sixty times over.
Just like those bulbs, it’s not too late. I pray, my friend, that today you hear the good news and know that it is for you. It’s always been for you.
Let that offer of love go deep. Turn to Him. Shut out the voices of those who say you’ve failed, and start fresh. Shut the door on the past as you accept and nourish that love.
I’m praying for and with you.
Suzie
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What an awesome post! Praise God!
August 27th, 2010 at 9:34 amThank you.
August 28th, 2010 at 7:30 amWhere, how do you start?
August 28th, 2010 at 8:34 amSuzie,
August 28th, 2010 at 8:57 pmWonderful post brings a lot of questions to my mind. See I am doing a study on Jonah, and fighting Yahweh on a lot of things. The biggest is LET GO LET GOD. So thanks again for the post. The flowers are gorgeous. Someday may I please tell you about the butterfly??? Blessing to you. Thanks for everything you do.
Suzie, Thank you so much for sharing the story of the bulbs. I tried to explain to a lady at my speaking event yesterday that it is never to late and God forgives.
August 29th, 2010 at 3:06 pm