Hope you enjoy this post – originally posted last Summer and one of my favorite lessons. Taking a week of much needed R&R.
The other day, I found myself humming part of an old song from the 70’s. It’s called “It’s My Desire”. You know how you get one phrase of a song stuck in your head and you sing it over and over.
The phrase was
“If you could see where Jesus brought me from, to where I am today, you would know the reason why I love Him so.”
It’s true. God has done such a work in my heart and life! Back in my early twenties I picked up a book called, “Lord, Change Me” by Evelyn Christenson. This book was a great tool in helping me to grow in Christ. It encouraged me to take the behaviors and attitudes of my heart that I knew didn’t honor the Lord and place them at His feet. Then I could ask that He’d replace those weaknesses with characteristics of Himself.
This didn’t happen overnight. I can’t tell you how or when the changes occurred. Growing is slow and steady. Oftentimes, the only way to measure growth is to compare your present situation with where your journey began.
A perfect example comes to my mind from my experience with Sophie’s sunflower on the sill. In a previous blog post, “Re-Potted”, I talked about it’s need to be replanted so that it would thrive. Otherwise, it would begin to die.
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Well, I did replant it in early June. It’s new home is just outside our living room window in a corner of the house. I tried to find a place that would help protect it from the sun and the wind – a difficult task since we have no trees or shelter from either in our back yard.
Just a few days after replanting it, I went outside and found that the wind had cause it’s tiny stem to break at the base and it was laying over on the ground. I found a garden stake and secured the stem to it so that it would stand upright again. Surely, with a broken stem, the flower wasn’t going to make it.
Several days later, I went out to find the sun’s scorching rays beating down on it. So, I came back inside, found an umbrella to provide shade from the sun. I watered the small plant on those dry, blistering days and wondered how in the world it would make it.
In fact, summer began to buzz with activity. We headed off into a million different directions it seemed. The little flower in my back yard was pushed way to the back of my mind. No more watering or umbrella shade. It was now in the hands of it’s Creator.
Just the other day, after being gone for different events over the summer months, my daughter Sophie came running in from the back yard. “Mommy! Mommy! Come look at my sunflower! You won’t believe it! You gotta come now! Come look!” Her excitement sparked my curiosity and her expression gave me reason to hope.
Still, as I made my way to the backyard, I thought, with all of the crazy storms and excessive heat we’ve had this summer, I couldn’t expect much.
What my eyes beheld was truly amazing! Sophie’s sunflower was now taller than me! This tiny stemmed, weakling had endured the harsh summer heat and storms. And it was no longer frail. It was no longer puny. It was strong. The stem thick and sturdy. It held for me a message of promise. God has a way. He grows us into something beautiful. Despite our weak frame. Despite the harsh conditions. He causes us to grow. He brings forth beauty. It’s slow and steady. Have I become unaffected and unaware of the miracle taking place in me?
I stood there silently for a few moments and took in the beauty of this miracle. The seedling made it and, as sunflowers are known to do, it’s head was held high facing the sun, basking in it’s warmth.
Today I hope to encourage you. Maybe you need to take a look back…to see how far you’ve come. Maybe you need to recall where you were at the beginning of God’s work in you. Yes, I’m sure your life is not void of harsh storms and challenges. I’m sure there are often times you feel weak. But be encouraged but take a moment to see God’s work in you. It’s truly miraculous!
“If you could see where Jesus brought me from and where I am today, you would know the reason why I love Him so.”
Nana - That’s awesome. God is good! He blessed you, us, and especially my dear little Sophie! She was quite the little farmer here. We think of her often…..and smile. Please tell her we miss her! Love you!
Heather - Tammy this story touched my soul today! Awesome!
Pamala McMorrow - Tammy this is so cool that this song was on your heart. I think it was last week that I heard it on the radio too and hadn’t heard it forever. You really ought to compile the stories you tell for a devotional book. I think it would be a best seller. Tiffini’s mom Lani told me a a devo book called “Jesus Calling”. I just got it yesterday from Amazon and it is the best book. I thought you might want to purchase it. The writer is Sarah Young and she journaled God speaking to her in her quiet time. It is quite awesome and I’ve just read it for two mornings. Both times I was weeping when I was finished. Very annointed. God Bless and think about that book you need to compile. It would be great!!
Candie - Thanks for reminding me. Have a blessed week. :0)
Jennie - Such a nice reminder to give Him all the praise and glory each day (good or bad) – what an awesome God we have! Thank-you, Tammy!
Kim Jones - Absolutely Beautiful! I too, find myself singing songs from way back and thank God for the life He has given me! Thank you!
Michelle Parrish - Beautiful!!!