The ground elder and nettles are in flower. In my prayer
window, I watched them be blown and buffeted in blasts of wind.
The seeds, I thought. I don’t like the wind but of course,
the seeds need the wind to spread and propagate more of their kind.
I think of some of the many inspirational believers I’ve
been privileged to know in my lifetime. Followers of Jesus who persevered – or are
persevering – in their faith despite the gales whipping around them. How far,
how wide, the seed of faith is spread when believers hang on to Jesus during
the blasts of the enemy! How beautiful and fragrant the blossoms of such
flowering faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord!
I am grateful, so thankful for those I know who, in hard
times, train their gaze on Jesus as the winds of life whine and shriek and
roar. May you, o Lord, continue to
strengthen and support all those whose lives are hammered by the storms of life
today. May I emulate them in whatever I may face today, clinging on not just
with grim determination but with the joy of the Lord inspiring me.
I am drawn to Isaiah 63 v 1: Who is this who comes from
Edom, from the city of Bozrah, with his clothing stained red? Who is this in
royal robes, marching in his great strength? ‘It is I, the Lord, announcing
your salvation! It is I, the Lord, who has the power to save!’
I pray that those who feel themselves faltering in the storm
will be encouraged and strengthened knowing that the Lord has the power to
save, and is coming in great strength.
My thoughts return to the elder and the nettles. Weeds. Pernicious
weeds with tough, pervasive roots.
Yes, the seeds of the enemy are also blowing in our world
today. May the Lord help me to uproot them from my own heart, mind and spirit. May
I be quick to identify any new seedlings of doubt or fear and wheak them out
before they can grow and propagate worldly thoughts or deeds any further. May I
have the courage to tackle the weeds of hatred and injustice wherever I see
them. Amen.
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