They only had one more night before they would abide safely but it was not to be. As I glanced over my deck rail it became apparent that my two new fruit trees had fallen victim to munches from the deer before I was able to get the protective fencing around them.
Calling out to my neighbor, I asked him if they would come back. “I don’t know”, he replied as I walked towards the Pear and Peach Trees. Drawing near I stooped… and began to peer closely. I glanced at the leaves and then up and down the stems; looking intensely both at the damage and for signs of growth.
But trees are hardy and I live on orchard land; they were in the ground for two weeks before the attack came, thereby they were somewhat acclimated to their new abode. And as I peered closer I saw tiny pink protruding from the stems and I knew that there would soon be new shoots with leaves and eventual fruit.
Such is the way of our God. He comes close…bends over us and…looks for signs of growth indicating eventual fruit in our lives. He will allow us to be tried and tested; wounded if necessary with the goal of our becoming Christ-like; this is most wise and marvelous to Him, even though we ache in heart.
He comes especially close during times when we have been attacked; victims of the enemy’s teeth, so to speak, as my trees were. Indeed, His gaze is never off us during these times. He is always bending near; ever so close to make certain that no damage is greater than we can endure.
And then I remembered my own life…Jesus is ever so near during my times of ache…hurt, confusion. He will never allow more than I can handle. And I am planted in the best of ground; deep in the Word of God, taught so patiently by the Holy Spirit; led and guided through the traumas of life; I press towards the goal of becoming like Him.
He longs for me to have an abiding relationship with Him. He yearns for me to be ever closer to His sweet heart. He cherishes me. And because it is also through a close, intimate relationship with Him that fruit will be brought forth in and through my life. He will do what is necessary to get my attention and woo me to His sweet heart.
But it is during these times that it helps me endure, if I remember that He always has his hedge of protection surrounding me and nothing can penetrate it without His loving permission; all is under His sovereign control.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15: 1-5
By Elizabeth Ann Grace, “Beauty from Ashes, Finding God’s Peace in the Midst of a Shattered Heard”
Leave a Comment
Amy Hunt says
And we cling, tightly, to that vine that produces life in us–and we trust. So. Beautiful. Such truth lighting the way.
Rich blessings to you, “E”, as He brings you healing through your own story-telling…
Virginia (Elizabeth Ann Grace) says
Thank you so much, Amy…
For your kind comments 🙂 God bless you!
Yes, sometimes we cling for all we are worth!
It does help to write, through these traumas.
HopeF says
I would say that God is even better than that. He only allows the Enemy’s teeth to bite us so that we’re pruned. He doesn’t just take care of us after the attack, he manages it so that we will grow and the attack was ultimately for our good. I loved the metaphor. 🙂
Virginia (Elizabeth Ann Grace) says
Oh, you are so correct, HopeF! And I love your name!
These truths are hard to forget, however, when we are being munched on for a long, long season or during particularly ferocious, cruel times against us! At least, I have found it so in my own journey….
But He is the perfect pruner, isn’t He~!?
Virginia (Elizabeth Ann Grace) says
Whoops! I meant to say, these truths are easy to forget! Should have shaken the cobwebs out before I replied to you 🙂
Kate says
Thank you for these words of hope. In a prolonged season of trials and disappointments…I need reminding. Regularly. xx
Virginia (Elizabeth Ann Grace) says
You are so very welcome, precious sister ~
I am so sad that you are going through the “endurance test” for I think it is one of the hardest! I travel the same road, currently with you.
I will put you on my prayer list and if you ever need particular prayer, please feel free to let me know…I never, share with others.
We cling together to our Jesus
XOXOXOX
p.s. I, personally, never knew how difficult (((disappointments))) could be until this year. This is a very rough one for the enemy starts to really come into our minds and slander the character of our God to us 🙁 🙁 🙁
Jadyn says
I love the image of God examining us closely for signs of growth, it encourages me deeply today. Thanks for sharing.
Virginia (Elizabeth Ann Grace) says
Oh, you are so very welcome, sweet jadyn! And what a pretty name you have!
Thank you for encouraging me, too!
Gloria says
What a great and encouraging post. I have shared it with some friends that are going through some tough trials right now.
Thanks for sharing.
Virginia (Elizabeth Ann Grace) says
You are so very welcome, Gloria!
I am saddened for your friends but how wonderful that they have a friend that cares!
I will put your friends, on my prayer list. Not knowing them, individually, but we know He does and bends so near to them during these difficult days ~
God bless you!
Alexandra says
Thank you for your beautiful words, encouraging us to abide in Christ.
Virginia (Elizabeth Ann Grace) says
Oh, you are so very welcome, Alexandra 🙂 🙂 🙂
Yes, the abiding life is the life of deep joy and peace, isn’t it?
Now, if I would only remember! But I am most grateful our dear Jesus is so patient as He works with us!
Thank you for taking a bit of your precious time to encourage me, also! XOXOXO