There’s an issue. My Christmas tree is not soaking up water. So I got on my knees to add more water. But, still, it wouldn’t soak up. What is wrong with it? I I know the issue, though — when I bought the tree — it didn’t get a “fresh cut”.
Without a cut, there is not a fresh soaking of water…
Without a cut, the base is hard and closed up…
Without a cut, there is no life to the branches…
Without a cut, the tree is not full of life but is dry and in need.
Wow, I thought. I relate to this tree.
Without the cuts of life, I often don’t soak in the power of God. God uses what is hard, even for my good. It is through the freshness of my need that I soak up His life.
Cuts are not always permitted for bad, but they make way for God’s good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” (Ro. 8:28)
When I am open, I am receiving.
When I am wanting and needing help, I am listening and discerning what God is saying.
When I am humble, I am receiving grace.
Cuts that have hurt are things God will use. Not that He caused them, but absolutely He will still use them for good. All the same, I don’t always have to be cut, to receive.
I can be in need, even when things are going fantastic.
I can be humble before the Lord, even when times are the best ever.
I can long for Him, even when I am strong.
I can hope to encounter His heart, even when life is busy.
This season, this Christmas, how can you call out for the fullness of God, the heart of God and the love of Christ — even in the fullness of a busy schedule? How can you welcome in and soak up the heart of God when everything feels normal? What living water may fill you up to touch others and to be full of God?
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