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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #437 March 9, 2002 Shaded Nook It was a delightful little shaded garden nook. The walls and fence were covered in ivy and there was a small bench for sitting. It was a beautiful place to just sit and think, especially on hot summer days, because it was so much cooler than the rest of the garden. As I sat resting, I noticed that the ivy on the wall had much larger leaves than the ivy on the fence. Otherwise they looked exactly the same. The larger leaved species was much more lush and healthy looking. Being curious by nature, I talked to the gardener about ivy and wanted to know more about the two species he was growing. He laughed and explained that it was all one species. Apparently ivy is by nature a shade loving plant. Its leaves grow in size based on the amount of light it gets. In lower light conditions, the leaves grow larger to make the most use of available light. The fence-line ivy received more sunlight, so its leaves were stunted. I wonder how often God allows us to go through dark times to help us grow. When all is going well and there is no stress our faith remains stunted. Put us under fire and we’re forced to rely on Him and grow in our faith as a result. Are you feeling under fire and stressed by your circumstances? Take heart! He hasn’t forgotten you and isn’t ignoring your prayers. Like the gardener, He knows that some time in the shadows will make you grow. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me. Psalm 57 NIV Until next time, may you rejoice in the dark times of life and trust God to grow you through them. Hallelu Yah Kevin Going through a dark time, and feeling alone with no place to turn? Look to Jesus for help! Email me and I’ll share some Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is so important and a prayer that will make it possible. Or simply begin the relationship by saying a prayer along the lines of: Dear God: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer let me know and I will direct you to some free non-denominational resources that will help you grow in that newfound relationship. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word 114 Oak Street Sherwood Park, AB Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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