When you desperately need God’s promise, where do you turn?
Our culture usually programs us to begin the new year with resolutions, “do-overs,” and efforts to leave the past behind. But isn’t it interesting that we attempt to do that (in most parts of the country) at the bleakest time in nature?
I noticed a familiar analogy when I headed out on a walk recently in my neighborhood. Our large, beautiful red oak trees have been shedding their leaves for weeks. Recent garbage bags lined up next to the dumpster like puffy soldiers held the proof of the empty branches.
Yet as I looked up today at our towering tree, I noticed a few straggling leaves clinging to a thin limb. Do you ever feel like that? A strong wind will soon claim those few remaining leaves.
Do You Need God’s Promise?
Maybe you desperately need a promise from God that He is still working. Maybe you long to know that He is not finished with you yet.
Even as a new year (and new efforts) begin, the winters of our lives often bring unpleasant challenges, and we’re faced with new choices and decisions. Discouragement, disappointment, and frustration can threaten to push us backward, not forward.
Age is not necessarily the only factor, because winter affects everyone, even the young. Not only is it a natural season God created; but it’s also an inevitable season in our lives.
Regardless of your age or circumstances, maybe this poem I wrote describes you:
When All the Leaves Have Fallen
By
Rebecca Barlow Jordan
When all the leaves have fallen,
And the tree stands still and bare,
When former beauty fades away,
And life is but a prayer,
Will anyone still notice?
Will anyone still care?
Yes, Jesus sees the beauty
Of the character within;
He knows; He cares; He loves us still;
He breathes new life again.
No matter what the future holds
Or what may come each day,
Our faithful Father promises
He’s with us all the way.
When you desperately need God’s promise of hope, new opportunities, and even new life, maybe it’s time to remember that familiar Christmas promise, fulfilled through Jesus: “God with Us.” Immanuel. He is always with us. His promises never change. Neither does He. He and His Word are forever:
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8 NLT).
More than once, God made this promise to His children:
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).
And I love these words from Philippians 1:6, NIV:
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
In a few months, new buds will pop out on our oak trees. New leaves will sprout, and spindly limbs will grow stronger. And we, like those oak trees, will see the hand of God at work again–in nature, and in our own lives. If. If we keep on believing, and if we will keep on trusting.
Will we struggle? Yes. Will we encounter challenges? Yes. But in those times, instead of clinging to a lifeless branch, we can hold on to Jesus and His faithfulness. Only He knows what our future holds. But when we cling to Him, no matter what happens, it will always turn out for our good.
When you desperately need God’s promise, He will not fail you. He never has. And He never will.
Want More Help Discovering God’s Faithfulness and Promises in Times of Need?
Whatever need you are facing, your faithful Father is waiting to meet that need. Day-votions® with Your Faithful Father: 90 Days with the One Who Wants to Meet All Your Needs is one resource that will show you how to find that intimacy and discover how faithful God can be. He longs to meet your needs and is waiting for you to experience His faithfulness!
*You might also enjoy this post I wrote: “Is God Really Faithful? How Do You Know?”
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, in the winters of our lives, remind us that You are not finished with us yet. Help those who are struggling, eager to hold on to hope. Thank You for Your faithfulness in every season. While we may never understand the reason for our challenges and difficult situations, help us to cling to Your promises. Surprise us with Your grace as we face forward, always looking to You, the Finisher of our Faith. Give us victory against the temptation of discouragement or unbelief. As Immanuel, God with Us, You will never, ever leave us. We choose to believe that promise!
Day-votedly Yours,
Rebecca
It’s Your Turn
Are the winters of life challenging you? How has God encouraged you? What promises help you the most? I’d love to hear from you anytime. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then it will come to me. Your name or info is not shared with anyone.
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