This month on the ChristianWriters blog chain, we’re talking about change. There have been several funny, uplifting and thought-provoking posts on the topic so far, and I encourage you to check out the links on my CW Blog Chain page when you’re done here.
I was hoping to write about an exciting life change I’ve been anticipating for several months. However, the situation is still nebulous and I have no announcement at this point. So, what do you do when you’re looking forward to a change and it doesn’t come quickly enough, or at all?
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” – Proverbs 13:12
Ever long for something, only to have the manifestation of it delayed for an extended time? It’s a struggle to stay positive while waiting for change, isn’t it?
Delayed outcomes. Unanswered prayers. They’re like a fruit tree in winter. No leaves for shade, no fruit for nourishment. No life in the limbs or on them. Good for nothing but firewood, right?
Wrong.
Look closer. They’re not dead, just dormant.
Over there, a bird perches, singing its song. And up there, a pair of squirrels play chase, enjoying the elevation. Can you see them?
And let’s consider the life within, the part we can’t see. Inside that tree, processes are going on that will enable those limbs to bud come springtime. The leaves that will be greening up the place are there, just not evident yet. Flowers are waiting within, biding their time until sunshine, rain and warmer weather cue them for their moment on stage. And when their role has run its course, they’ll yield to the fruit God designed the tree to produce.
When your hope feels deferred, feed it with God’s Word and memories of the answers to prayer He’s already given. Water it with prayers and even tears if need be. Mulch around that root system with the faith that insulates from the attacks of Satan and circumstance.
And when winter is over, watch it blossom into joy.
wait and see.
what a beautiful post
biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hug
Thanks, Jack. The irony of it is that I wrote this only hours before learning my temp assignment was being ended without an offer of permanent employment. God knew I was going to need to read what I was writing.
Oh, Traci this is just what I needed to hear this morning. Hope defferred. I really need to study Proverbs again. I had not remembered 13:12. God really does have words to encourage every situation. Thanks, Traci.
You’re welcome, Carol. Turns out I was encouraging myself in the Lord too, without even knowing it (see my reply to Jack for details).
Encouraging post, Traci. A word in due season!
Thanks, Deborah. I’m glad you found it uplifting.
Loved the Bible verse Traci, very inspiring words here today, thanks
You’re welcome, Chris.
Thanks Traci – I liked the food, water and mulch!
Glad you liked the analogy, Bill.
Proverbs 13:12 has long been one of my favorite Bible verses. Your words inspire me, Traci. Thank you for that. Blessings
You’re welcome, Stephanie, and thanks for your kind words. They encourage me.
Wow, Traci. That was very encouraging. It is hard to wait sometimes. Actually, it’s always hard to wait!
Sam
I’m glad my words encouraged you, Sam. That’s what it’s about, isn’t it – sharing our experiences so we can lift each other up and over the bumps in life’s road.
I love the seasonality of God—the trustworthiness of His character to give us hope even in the midst of what is discouraging and seemingly dead. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Heather. I agree – God’s constancy and trustworthiness are precisely what get me through those winters of the soul.
Traci, I just got back from speaking at a Women’s retreat and one of the verses I used was Proverbs 13:12! Your thoughts (and subsequent comments) just served to confirm many of the things I had been talking about this weekend. I love when God does this. He is so cool!
I love it too, Tracy. At my church, we call it a “God thing” when stuff like that happens. Whatever you want to call it, it’s a real faith affirmation, especially when life gets challenging.
I really needed to read this today, captive as I am within another crossroad. “Hope springs eternal”, and I am growing soul tired with a need to rest, finally. I wish I was free to say, but thanks for the post and reminder about hope and what the Lord promises.
You’re welcome, Nona. I know how erosive to the spirit frequent changes can be. I imagine it’s a bit like whitewater kayaking – without the kayak! I pray you’ll find the rest you need soon.