Mucky, Yucky Debris

Philippians 4:13New Life Version (NLV)

13 I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.

1 Peter 5:10-11The Message (MSG)

He Gets the Last Word

8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

James 1:2-4New Life Version (NLV)

Take Hope When Tests Come

2 My Christian brothers, you should be happy when you have all kinds of tests. 3 You know these prove your faith. It helps you not to give up. 4 Learn well how to wait so you will be strong and complete and in need of nothing.

Driving through Naples a little over a month ago we saw a lot of devastation and debris.  Trees that still stood, but looked broken and bare.  Slowly, over time, we have seen the debris being picked up.  We have seen damages being restored.  But the one thing that catches my eye and heart, is the new growth on those trees that I thought did not survive.  The debris had skewed my vision of this growth that was happening.  My eyes only focused on the dead muck that laid around.  My eyes were drawn to the mess.  Now that the mess and muck have been taken away, in the picture below, I see growth.  I see trees starting to grow new life.  I see HOPE.  

God intends on us seeing HIS beauty and wants us to see just that.  However, the muck and debris in our lives tend to hide HIS beauty and purpose.  If we let it sit too long, it starts to take over and stink up our lives.  If you are living in mucky waters, pray.  Pray that HE gives you strength, peace, and motivation to push through this hard season.  When caught in a moment of feeling overwhelmed with the smell, take hold of His message for our lives.  God is good and is always with us.  Even when we are drowning in mucky, yucky debris in our lives.