20 October 2015

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.


 

16 October 2015

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.’”