God Teaches Us In Nature

Oftentimes working in my yard, God speaks to me through nature. On my blog I thought I would share some of the insights He gives me.

While watering my garden early this morning, I came across a day lily being overun with some English ivy. Weeding as I watered, I bent down to remove the ivy growing over the lily. I had to jerk hard and just then I had an epiphany. Pruning the ivy could be compared to occurrences in my life that are painful. A sudden hardship could happen and I could question why is this happening. We know that God is a loving God so how could this be a good thing or work out to be a good thing.

What if the event or circumstances happened because God is correcting or changing the direction I am growing, as in the ivy? What, as in the lily, is He eliminating that is possibly hampering my spiritual growth?

Here's a life example. My pastor and his family are celebrating being at our church one year this Sunday. A little more than a year ago they were in Georgia where they planned to stay. God changed the direction they were going. But I know, having moved across country more than once, moving to a new place, new friends, new church, etc. can be painful. But the move in God's economy is good.

I have some friends who recently moved to Ohio at God's direction. I know at times it has been hard. Interestingly enough, God prepared their hearts long before the move. They moved to follow God's call to be part of a team planting a church. God redirected their growing.

In 1Th 5:18 it reads "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. " Oftentimes I do the opposite, grumble and complain. Today I'm sure the Lord wanted to remind me - He's in charge. Nothing, NOTHING happens in my life that is not under the Lord's control. Romans 8:28 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. "

This morning God reminded me He's in charge. Even if it hurts, I need to trust Him with the bigger picture. He knows my future and His plan is good. Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Here are just a few verses from God's Word where He speaks of observing nature.

Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest

Ezekiel 19:10 'Your mother was like a vine in your vineyard, Planted by the waters; It was fruitful and full of branches Because of abundant waters.

John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

Note: All scripture is the NASB version.

Have a blessed day.

Here's a picture thought. Confederate Jasmine a/k/a Star Jasmine growing at my mom's this spring. It was a mother's day present from me about 10 years ago. Hopefully, I'll plant some in my yard soon.