I long for revelation of Jesus Christ to burst forth on the earth in even greater measure.
For in hope we have been saved,
but hope that is seen is not hope;
for who hopes for what he already sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see,
with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
ROMANS 8:24-25
Like a lot of the surrounding states, Wyoming has had more than a few cold days in the last month. Fifteen, twenty below zero almost feels normal. Wearing a hat to bed, a welcome addition.
But as I shoveled the sidewalk a few minutes ago I thought of the plants hidden beneath the white blanket, just waiting until the warm air catches up to the sunshine. Waiting for the conditions to all come in order to bring forth fruit.
I love that even nature groans in expectation, in hope of being set free from its bondage of decay and corruption. Even nature is yearning and agreeing with our Creator’s plan. (Romans 8:19-22)
Below is an essay I wrote about this time of year, a number of years ago. May it stir up your faith. May it increase your expectancy. Not only for springtime, but for a new season of growth and fruitfulness in the Spirit. May we not grow weary, but continue to look for His Kingdom rising up in the midst of our world as we believe and obey.
Spring Forth
For as [surely as] the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring forth,
so [surely] the Lord God will cause rightness and justice and praise
to spring forth before all the nations
[through the self-fulfilling power of His word].
ISAIAH 61:11 (AMP)
(excerpt: This Beloved Road)
Typically, I start getting seed and gardening catalogs every February. It always seems strange to think about gardening when it is -18° Fahrenheit with five feet of snow lining the end of our driveway. And yet, just a picture of wildflowers or ripe fruit makes me ache for spring.
My aching is for more than just the grass and flowers of this earth, however. It is an ache in the Spirit—an ache for the things of God to spring forth.
I long for revelation of Jesus Christ to burst forth on the earth in even greater measure.
“Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18, AMP).
I long for the truth of God’s character—his love, goodness, wisdom, power, and faithfulness—to be spread to every corner.
Truth shall spring forth from the earth,
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord will give what is good,
and our land will yield its increase”
PSALM 85:11-12, AMP
I await the moment when every living being will worship the Son of God.
“For the Scriptures say, As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to God” (Romans 14:11, NLT).
I expect and anticipate the time when the body of Christ will fulfill its purpose.
“God’s purpose was to show his wisdom in all its rich variety to all the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10, NLT).
Oh, sure, things look pretty cold and barren out there, but my faith is bursting with hope in what is unseen. Our God has promised that his word would not go forth void. He has been declaring to us new things which are about to spring forth (Isaiah 42:9).
The ground is saturated with seed, and though we know not how they grow, the harvest is unquestionably assured.
Prepare. Get the tools ready now. Clean out the barn.
You heavens above, rain down righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it. I, the Lord, have created it
ISAIAH 45:8, NIV
Looking for more encouragement today? Check Out Just Angry or Inspired?
Click here to learn more about author Amy Layne Litzelman
Leave a Reply