life in a parched land

I remember dry spells

on the Canadian praires

how colour fades

grass snaps, breaks

cutting feet silly enough

to walk unshod

dirt cracks deep

wind catches dust to scatter

upon leaves too soon disconnected

from their trees

and we cried for rain

here, in Zambia, we wait

perhaps another month

before the season of dryness

ends, yet life breaks through

thrives and startles

with God's ability to overcome

softening the harsh climate

creating trees that flower

even during regular months of drought

Thirsty deserts will be glad; 

barren lands will celebrate and blossom with flowers.

Isaiah 35:1 CEV

 

flexible strength

In the quiet hours

the Lord shared His recipe

for flexibility---

My desire is that you would make much of Me

Am I not big enough to carry all that concerns you?

I carry you, all of you, large and small

I see - do not doubt my vision

As you surrender I can move you easily

according to My will

Think of the pasta you cooked yesterday

when it is raw it is hard, sharp, brittle

if you try in any way to change its shape

it snaps, shatters, breaks

but once submitted to the water

it softens in surrender

Yet in that same softness

it becomes unbreakable

Can you allow Me to do as I will?

beyond your tiny understanding

even when the waters are hot and painful?

Even when you fear you won't be able to breathe

in the abundance of heavy steam?

Breathe in Me

I Am always the safest place

even when I Am transforming you

Continue to bathe and soak in Me

lest you grow hard again

“And I will bring the third part through the fire,

 Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. 

They will call on My name, And I will listen and answer them; 

I will say, ‘They are My people,’ 

And they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” 

Zechariah 13:9 Amplified