Daily Devotional for February 7, 2021
“He also took a seedling from the land and planted it in fertile soil. He placed it beside a broad river, where it could grow like a willow tree. It took root there and grew into a low, spreading vine. Its branches turned up toward the eagle, and its roots grew down into the ground. It produced strong branches and put out shoots.”
Ezekiel 17:5-6 NLT
I have two peace lilies in my home that we REceived from my dad’s funeral. Both, of course, had big bold leaves, but as time passed, one began to struggle. At one point, it looked like it was going to die. They both were similar, potted in similar containers, located in close proximity REceiving the same amount of light and watering. So, I decided to REplant it in a new pot and place it in another location. Within a day I could see the plant taking on a new life.
As Osteen speaks about “Unleashed Potential” this morning, he speaks about a seed and how as long as it’s on the desk where it’s comfortable, the seed’s potential will stay locked up on the inside. “Only after it’s planted and goes through the process of germination—when the outer shell breaks off and the new growth begins—will it blossom and bring forth much fruit.” He goes further to say, “The problem with many people is that they want the fruit, but ... they don’t want to have to stretch or deal with adversity, opposition, or betrayal. But without the dark place, your potential will stay locked on the inside.” Where have you gotten confortable in life? Are you stunting your own growth? Take a leap in faith to BE planted or REplanted to bloom in new ways and impact others as you continue to grow into who God has prepared you to BEcome. It’s time to BEcome uncomfortable with the comfortable.
Exodus 1
Continuing with the focus of BEing planted or REplanted, when opposition tries to come against us, they work to hold us down and bury us. Like the Israelites In Exodus 1:12 and 20, “But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became... and the Israelites continued to multiply, growing more and more powerful.” In the Egyptians eyes they were working to hold the people back, but in actuality Israelites we BEing planted, buried, rooted, in order to grow.
REflection from Dreams Redeemed
Today we BEgin “Dreams Redeemed” by Harmony Grillo. Many of us had dreams of what our lives would BE and what would BEcome, but those dreams do not always go as planned. Brillo says, “I believe that what happens to our dreams when they are deferred, out of reach, or even shattered, depends on the dreamer. How we respond will determine whether we are propelled closer to the God-dream for our life or further from it.” Psalms 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.” We have choices even in adversity; let us choose to REmember that when we follow Christ, He will work everything for our good. Let us trust the plans He has for us (and not our own), to prosper us and not harm us.🙏🏽
2 Corinthians 12:9
When we feel weak, may we give ourselves grace that the Father freely gives to us, depending on His power to carry us T.H.R.O.U.G.H. (Trials, Hurt, Regrets, Obstacles, Uncertainty, Guilt, Heartbreak).🙏🏽💚🦋🌈
Seek solace in the Savior this Sunday, my friend.
