Read
Reflect
A few weeks ago my wife Toni and I were on a hike in the woods.
I was heading to a stream to take some shots of a small waterfall when I almost stepped on the flowers above.
They were incredibly small. They were barely visible from 6 feet up, but I caught them out of the corner of my eye.
I had to get down on my stomach to take this picture. I got as close as I could to snap the photo. (The picture makes them look so much bigger than they were.)
As I looked at them, it occurred to me that I might actually be the only human to ever see these flowers.
It made me think…
That doesn't really matter to God. He created them, and he absolutely delights in them.
But I pushed against that — what purpose do they serve?
Sure they play a role in the eco-system, but you know what I mean. You know how people think….
Would you be content if no one ever noticed what you did?
Would you be satisfied if no one ever appreciated you?
Would you be good with no one ever acknowledging you?
Really?
So much of my life is spent trying to achieve, to become. To improve.
And most of my disappointment comes when I don't do it fast enough, quickly enough or things don't turn out the way I was hoping.
Monday often brings all our shortcomings into focus for us, doesn't it?
But that was the furthest thing on the mind of God when it comes to these flowers..
There they were, in their all their glory…fully alive whether anyone saw them or not. Displaying their glory for an audience of One – their maker.
Did you see what Jesus taught in today's reading? He says we can learn from the flowers.
Jesus brought the perspective of heaven to life on earth. He saw that even the flowers amazed and delighted God.
And so do you.
You reflect the glory of God.
He delights in you.
He loved you before you accomplished anything, and in every moment you don't.
The flowers on that walk that day understood something I'm trying to wrap my mind around.
You don't have anything to prove today. He loves you.
Who doesn't need to hear that?
Especially on a Monday.
Respond
Belong – Because you can belong before you believe.
You were invited to belong because God already loves you. You were made for his glory. How do you take comfort in that?
Believe – Because those who belong often start to believe.
God's love for you is deep, and doesn't change on your worst days. He loves you know matter what. For many people, that has resulted in a deeper faith, deeper gratitude and deeper trust. What does it do for you?
Become – Because those who believe can become someone new.
Sometimes the best thing we can do before we ‘become' someone new, is to simply ‘be'. Be content if your Father's love for you today. He loves you. He really does. And you simply being alive gives him pleasure.
Dear God, thank you for nature, that constantly displays not only your handiwork, but can teach us about your nature and heart. Thank you that you love us on the days we struggle and on the days we don't. Your love is awesome and truly amazing. Through Christ we pray, Amen.
– by Carey Nieuwhof
