Last October, just after Dad died, I planted eight small, unimpressive looking bulbs in this box. Today these beautiful daffodils remind me of the promise of resurrection, something I believe in, as did my father.
The funny thing is if you count the flowers there are nine blooms, not eight. I’m sure a horticulturalist or some scientific person could explain that, but I’m choosing to think of it like this.
When Old Testament believer Job suddenly lost his family and wealth, even though it felt so unfair, he worshipped and trusted God, saying, ‘The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ (Job 1 v 21) After a period of suffering and intense questioning, the Lord spoke to Job and restored him to a place of great blessing. Indeed, ‘The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first.’ (Job 42 v 12)
And here’s the thing. The Lord sometimes takes away, but He gives back more.
We will all eventually lose our riches, health and lives in this present world, but Christians look forward to riches in Heaven, resurrection and eternal life without disability, sorrow or loss.
Even now, our God generously provides for us through our trials.
Christ said, ‘Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.’ (Mark 8 v 35)
And He has promised, ‘Everyone who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matthew 19 v 29)
After all, ‘What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?’ (Mark 8 v 36)
God doesn’t short change His children. He is good to those who trust Him.
Even down to putting extra flowers in our gardens.
The funny thing is if you count the flowers there are nine blooms, not eight. I’m sure a horticulturalist or some scientific person could explain that, but I’m choosing to think of it like this.
When Old Testament believer Job suddenly lost his family and wealth, even though it felt so unfair, he worshipped and trusted God, saying, ‘The Lord gave, the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ (Job 1 v 21) After a period of suffering and intense questioning, the Lord spoke to Job and restored him to a place of great blessing. Indeed, ‘The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first.’ (Job 42 v 12)
And here’s the thing. The Lord sometimes takes away, but He gives back more.
We will all eventually lose our riches, health and lives in this present world, but Christians look forward to riches in Heaven, resurrection and eternal life without disability, sorrow or loss.
Even now, our God generously provides for us through our trials.
Christ said, ‘Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.’ (Mark 8 v 35)
And He has promised, ‘Everyone who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. (Matthew 19 v 29)
After all, ‘What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?’ (Mark 8 v 36)
God doesn’t short change His children. He is good to those who trust Him.
Even down to putting extra flowers in our gardens.
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