Most times God teaches me through the daily occurrences in my life and family. And this weekend was no different.
Just the same as last week, Saturday was spent with a family member. Driving home, I thought, “What a difference a weekend makes.†And then I corrected myself, for truly it should be said, “What a difference our God can make.â€
Now at home, instead of in the hospital, he still has his pole alongside of him, with the bags dispensing what his body needs.
We spent time watching a movie, laughing, and talking together because sometimes it is just good to be – together. Amen?
I remembered a sentence I had read earlier in the week by Beth Moore:
“Faith is the fertilizer in the seedbed where wonders sprout.â€
Can I get a hearty [and LOUD], “Amen!â€
Every time we pray in faith, we are planting a seed. Trust me, most times those seeds are watered by our tears. Sometimes we even flood those seeds we cry so much.
But here’s the truth I want to bring to you this morning … When those seeds sprout, yes, we reap a harvest, but we also get more seed to plant! That is why it is so important to not give up.
“Those who sow in tears WILL reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, WILL return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.â€
(Psalm 126:5-6, NIV)
Encouragement is needed in the challenges we all face. We cannot go it alone. We must come alongside those who are sick. We cannot close our eyes to those who are poor and unable to provide for themselves. We must believe our God has called us to this and that He will be faithful.
We need to become a people who possess a faith which is fed by Scripture and approach Him, believing, He is God and can do anything.
Back to my family member … Over the course of the day, I could hear the soft hum of his equipment as it dispensed what was needed. It was then it hit me … that hum was the very sound of life being infused into his body.
Each one of us need to be infused as well –
- infused with His strength so that we are able to climb over, or jump over, the hurdles in our lives and as we work together in this ministry. (Philippians 4:13)
- Infused with wisdom from above. (James 1:5)
- infused with His love for others. (Romans 5:5)
- infused with understanding. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- infused with His hope. (Romans 15:4)
- infused with His peace. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Our lives will be infused by, and to the measure, that we are in His Word and in prayer.
May those two be active in each one of our lives in greater measure.
Today I am joining … Moments of Hope and #DreamTogether and #SmallWonder and Literacy Musing Mondays and Soul Survival .
My turn to say, “Oh how YOU encouraged me!” Thank you so much!
Molly, reading your comment tonight made me smile. It is special when we all encourage one another. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Beautiful post, Joanne. I needed this encouragement to be active in God’s Word and in prayer.
Diane, those words were for me first 🙂 May we stand firm on God’s many promises remembering He is faithful. May you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Infused with such special and fine elements of God…infusion of His grace…infusion of His love…yes, you are so right that we must be the feet and hands here on earth doing that which He calls us to do and be. I cared for my mother over 15 years in three different facilities. It was not only Mama who I went to see and share time with, but the many other residents who looked forward to my daily visit with a hug, a touch on the shoulder, a smile, or a conversation. Seeds were planted and love grew. Thanks for you fine post, Joanne. I have been blessed.
Linda, it is amazing how God works in and through one circumstance to bless many. May you have a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving!
This is SO good, Joanne:
Driving home, I thought, “What a difference a weekend makes.†And then I corrected myself, for truly it should be said, “What a difference our God can make.â€
I want to remember that for myself. Thanks for sharing what God is teaching you so we can also learn alongside you. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Lisa,God continues to amaze me as He can change circumstances at any time. May you and yours also have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Yes, what a difference our God can make! When our circumstances look bleak we only need to look up and remember He is infusing us daily with His peace, love, comfort, hope. Thank you, Jesus!
It is amazing how His Presence alone makes all the difference. May we keep our hearts prepared to receive from Him this Advent season!
Joanne,
Hope …. that’s truly what you have given here today with this message. Life is not easy. Things aren’t how we would like them to be, yet hope remains and in it we find the moments of laughter and an irreplaceable joy that comes from the Difference Maker Himself!
Praying for you and your family member.
Hugs,
Lori
And praying for you and yours, Lori! So appreciate your prayers. And you are so right those moment of laughter in the middle of the difficult bring an irreplaceable joy. Grateful for you!