For You From The Word
I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:3, NIV)
For You To Think About
“The daffodils are up!”
It’s a cry of joy that greets every gardener in the spring. How eagerly we look for the tips of spring bulbs as they poke through the soil after a cold, dark winter!
Months before, those bulbs were intentionally planted with the promise of a later bloom. But the process of growth takes awhile. Flowers-to-be remain hidden beneath the soil’s surface while roots develop. A bud grows from the stem, pressing upward. Food and water in the bulb tissues nourish the bud. Finally, the bud develops into a plant which blossoms above ground.
The process of a bulb blooming into a flower has been often compared with pregnancy. Like flowers, the seed of a new life has been planted by God. And like flower bulbs, a baby develops hidden from our view (notwithstanding today’s advanced ultrasound technology.)
Those who face an unplanned pregnancy (and those that work in the cause for life) may even live through their own period of cold and darkness while waiting.
Yet God works through the winter. And He shows Himself in the spring.
Spring bulbs bloom brilliantly, even after winters of darkness. A new baby offers new hope. Christ burst forth from the tomb to give us new hope and new life. Every life given by God promises joy and hope of a new season.
To those who face an unplanned pregnancy, encourage them with this truth: you just need to make it through the winter.
For You To Pray
Heavenly Father,
Move in hearts of those facing an unplanned pregnancy to see beyond the immediate. Give them a taste of your hope. Show these women and men that every life is from you and offers tremendous joy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More about Renewal and Hope
Renewal for the Cause of Life, Part 1: Clean Out