In the book Abide in Christ Andrew Murray says, "Abide in Christ! This is indeed the Father's object in sending the trial. In the storm the tree strikes deeper roots in the soil; in the hurricane the inhabitants of the house abide within, and rejoice in its shelter. So, by suffering, the Father would lead us to enter more deeply into the love of Christ. Our hearts are continually prone to wander from Him; prosperity and enjoyment all too easily satisfy us, dull our spiritual perception, and unfit us for full communion with Himself. It is an unspeakable mercy that the Father comes with His chastisement, makes the world around us all dark and unattractive, leads us to feel more deeply our sinfulness, and for a time lose our joy in what was becoming so dangerous. He does it in the hope that, when we have found our rest in Christ in time of trouble, we shall learn to choose abiding in Him as our only portion; and, when the affliction is removed, have so grown more firmly into Him that in prosperity He still shall be our only joy. ...Christian, pray for grace to see in every trouble, small or great, the Father's finger pointing to Jesus, and saying, Abide in Him."
Today, outside it is dreary, foggy, and winter. Our grapevine has no leaves or fruit. We will prune the grapevine at the end of winter. Then I know, that spring will come, and once again there will be new branches and green leaves again, then delicious grapes.
John 15:1-2 says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (NIV).
As my daughter says in one of her songs, "He can make a rainbow out of this storm."
Dear Jesus, be close to each person who is hurting from your pruning. May they draw close to you, rest in your love, and find hope as they abide in you. Give them fruit, and make a rainbow out of this storm.
No comments:
Post a Comment