Testimonies

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Seems like over the last couple of years, my little orange trees hardly made progress. But I kept thinking that the roots were strengthening where I could not see. I think too that that's pretty much the way things have been with me. On the outside, I just couldn't see that I've been making a lot of progress over the last couple of years. But I have. On further investigation, I see that my roots have grown quite deep.

Just about the time I thought I was in for another long couple of years, the branches on my orange trees started shooting out in all directions and suddenly had a multitude of new leaves. My patience with the little trees is much easier to come by now and I have envisioned the orange blossoms that will soon adorn their branches. Then it won't be long at all before they bear much fruit.

And by the way, those daisy seeds I planted last spring and never saw flowers on them, they've all begun to bloom at once. I've already picked a few. Within the next few days, I won't be able to keep them cut fast enough. I have daisies running out my ears! I had to wait a whole year for them to bloom, but I have never seen stems so thick on a daisy before! Those are some very healthy daisies.

Just about the time I thought I was in for another long couple of years, the Word of God came through like a fire out of control. He speaks to me daily and sings to me nightly. He makes His presence known to me in new and delightful ways. I must tell you that I, though more thoroughly learned in patience, am quite anxious to see the harvest of my labors.

In this fast-paced world, we tend to want things NOW. And I confess that I would often love to be a powerhouse Christian in real quick order. But really, would those orange trees be as healthy or as strong had they grown more rapidly? Would I? Selah.

Lord, let my work never be in vain or selfish. But with perfect patience let me be established, rooted and grounded eternally in You. Maintain all glory unto Yourself. May I, for You, bear much fruit? Let my roots be healthy and strong in You. Feed them and water them, nourish them with Your Word. Let me be sanctified, Father, that I might be a pleasing and holy vessel for Your Spirit. In Jesus' Name, amen.
© Joyce Pool

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