"Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands." -Elisabeth Elliott
I saw this quote on Laura's blog and loved it. I know it's something I needed so I thought I would borrow it and share. It reminded me a lot of the chapter we've been going through this past week in bible study. The chapter is called, "Pruned to Bloom." Life is not easy. There are tough things that happen in our lives that we do not understand or wouldn't choose for ourselves. This chapter is one of great encouragement because it reminds us that we are not alone. We all have seasons of difficulty in our lives. We are also reminded that these "pruning" times are what God uses to draw us closer to Himself. And we all will go through this... its just a matter of time. So that means everyone is in 1 of 3 categories.
1. You have just been pruned: you're hurting, maybe frustrated, and even questioning God's will.
2. You are growing back after a pruning: still feeling a little hurt, but you are beginning to understand why God had you go through what you went through and are continuing to follow His leading.
3. You are in full bloom: you have come full circle. You are now standing on the other side of the situation, asking yourself why you didn't trust Him to begin with. You see that His plan was better than you could have ever planned for yourself.
One of my friends, Jenny, has experienced this in her own life. After years of trying to have a baby of their own, God said I have another plan. They were literally on their way to Nashville for IVF when they got a call that the building had flooded. God slammed that door shut. He then began opening the adoption doors wider and wider. Though it wasn't what she expected, she now has something... or somethings rather.... even sweeter. They now have 2 precious girls, Elia and Ava, that they adopted from Guatemala.
The pruning process was difficult and painful, but so worth it in the end. What God had planned was better than anything she could have dreamed up herself. I have had the privilege of teaching both of these adorable girls. This family is truly precious.... and a sweet reminder of God's grace and how His plan is always better than our own.
1. You have just been pruned: you're hurting, maybe frustrated, and even questioning God's will.
2. You are growing back after a pruning: still feeling a little hurt, but you are beginning to understand why God had you go through what you went through and are continuing to follow His leading.
3. You are in full bloom: you have come full circle. You are now standing on the other side of the situation, asking yourself why you didn't trust Him to begin with. You see that His plan was better than you could have ever planned for yourself.
One of my friends, Jenny, has experienced this in her own life. After years of trying to have a baby of their own, God said I have another plan. They were literally on their way to Nashville for IVF when they got a call that the building had flooded. God slammed that door shut. He then began opening the adoption doors wider and wider. Though it wasn't what she expected, she now has something... or somethings rather.... even sweeter. They now have 2 precious girls, Elia and Ava, that they adopted from Guatemala.
The pruning process was difficult and painful, but so worth it in the end. What God had planned was better than anything she could have dreamed up herself. I have had the privilege of teaching both of these adorable girls. This family is truly precious.... and a sweet reminder of God's grace and how His plan is always better than our own.
precious post.
ReplyDeleteLove the inspirational post!
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