Our faithful God has worked miracles to many who are diagnosed medically barren. This is evident in the Bible and even in my wife, who was told that she would have difficulty conceiving but is now a mother of three. Thus, we should willingly receive the hope of life in Jesus with open hearts and thanksgiving!
You may also like
In a particularly dark time in my life, I awoke to this beautiful sight of amazing cirrus clouds painted over the blue morning sky. It was a comforting reminder of the hope and promise that His steadfast love never ceases and his mercies never end – they are new every morning! Great is thy faithfulness!
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:18, NASB) Whenever I see butterflies, God reminds me of the beautiful freedom He blesses us with. We may go through seasons where we feel like a caterpillar crawling slowly like a worm, or cocooned up and nothing seems to be achieved. Yet, these are seasons that the Lord is working deeply inside of us to transform us into His image to become like Him. The butterfly reminds me to see myself the way God sees me as my future self: From redemption to sanctification into God’s glorious presence. Christ in us our hope of glory (Col 1:27).
Our current challenges are a phase of life that will pass. It is necessary to complete this phase in order to move on to the next. Sometimes, this phase of life may seem “cocooned” – as though nothing is happening. Yet, a deep internal transformation is taking place. In due time, a beautiful butterfly will emerge, flying freely, pollinating and bring about fruit to others. You can become a blessing to others too, in due season. Do not give up on hope. Christ in us, the hope of glory.
“In view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)
This painting is a seascape with a boat going on a journey. I turn 55 years old this year. As I continue on in my life’s journey (symbolized by the boat), I know that there will be ups and downs (symbolized by the waves). However, I (outline of the lady in the sail) must always lean against the Cross (the mast), trusting that the Lord Jesus is my Shalom Navigator who goes before me and will be beside me. I have always been a type A person, wanting to be in control. I must, instead, completely place my hope and trust in Jesus.
A promise is always most treasured when you are down and out. When you are at your lowest, you cannot imagine happiness. That is why we need to have a mental image that gives us hope. Israel had been in exile when Jeremiah gave this promise from God. So I imagine that their mental image is the land which was promised to them in Joshua 1 – where God promises to bring them back to their homeland.