My husband and I have been married for thirteen years and together we have made a total of six moves. Change has become my middle name. New town, new house, new friends, new schools, new church; these things we have come to expect, and accept, every few years.
Our most recent move sent us to the state of New Mexico from Hawaii.
I loved everything about Hawaii: the beaches, the people, the food, the sunshine, and the salt water. I loved riding my bike with our daughters to school. I loved hearing the sound of waves drumming against the shore.
But it was more than the gorgeous surroundings. During our time there we built strong friendships. Ones that will last far beyond our time stationed together.
Our time in Hawaii was also a time of spiritual growth for me. No other place has seen so many tears, grief, grace, or peace.
I lost a baby there and almost lost my life. I found more of myself, and more of God on that island than I have anywhere else. It was one of my favorite places to live and I had no plans to leave.
My husband, however, is a hunter and he is driven not by the sound of waves but by the bugle of an elk in rut. He jumped at the opportunity when it arose to move to a state that has one of the largest herds. So we packed our belongings and flew across the ocean to relocate to a desert full of elk.
Because that is what you do when you love someone.
This move has not been as easy for me.
Outwardly, I stayed positive about the change but inwardly I questioned God’s timing, plan, and at times, His presence.
One hot summer evening while walking our French bulldog, I noticed something growing in a vacant lot. Unlike the dry, brown tumbleweeds and sagebrush, this bush looked healthy, thriving in fact. It was substantial in size and vibrant green in color. The leaves were lush, wider than my hand and larger than my foot in length. At closer inspection, I realized it was a patch of what looked like mini-watermelon. (I came to find out it was not watermelon but gourds.)
I was astonished and excited to see such a perfect plant growing without any water or cultivation.
In the days that followed I could not stop thinking about the wild patch of gourds. Each time I walked past the plant, I felt God’s Spirit stirring. One day His Spirit said to me, “If I can grow these plants here with no rain, no cultivation, and no care, then surely I can grow you anywhere.”
Right there, in the midst of the arid summer breeze, dust particles covering my sunglasses, God met me and I was convicted.
You see, God often uses what we consider uninhabitable conditions to grow the most fruitful and beautiful things.
Including you and me.
He does not need paradise to produce. He can grow us, move us, mold us, use us, anywhere, in any circumstance. We need only to put our trust in Him and believe He can do what He says He can.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. {Jeremiah 29:11-12}
God’s plan rarely looks like what we would expect: A king born in a manger, a Savior nailed to a cross, a girl growing in the desert.
His plans are greater than we can ever imagine. Why I fail to remember this, even after all He has done, is beyond me. But He continues to teach me, continues to meet me, and continues to grow me.
Are you questioning God’s plan today? Perhaps you are feeling desolate in the desert or perfectly placed in paradise. Whatever your situation: call upon Him, pray, and He will listen to you. He most certainly has a plan.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Alana,
I have to admit I was intrigued by the title of your post…I wondered what on earth it could be about?? Leave it to our awesome Creator God to reveal His Truth and His faithfulness to you through a patch of wild gourds. If God cares about a patch of gourds and can make them prosper…if he cares about each and every sparrow and tends to its needs, how much more so will He care for us? Like you, I’ve been “repotted” several times with moves across the country and with each move, God has enabled me to bloom where I was planted. It wasn’t always happily ever after stories, but His faithfulness was true and my confidence and trust in Him continued to grow. Praying for you right now that God would continue to bless you in this new place that HE has brought you to. He is faithful!
Blessings,
Bev
Alana Dawson says
Bev – You’re so right, it’s not always happily ever after but He is faithful. I’m so glad you were able to “bloom where you were planted”. Blessings to you.
Kathy says
When in comes to my “Job” and “purpose” in life I feel like I am always searching and wondering ….”Is this it or is there something else I am missing?”.
(About every couple of years I start to doubt and begin the search for something new….sometimes the change comes sooner than later and sometimes I have a pause in between jobs before I move on to the next) I don’t know why I feel this way but maybe I am missing the wild watermelons along the way to tell my I need to grow right where I am???
I guess I will start keeping my eyes and mind more open where ever I may be. 😉 Always looking for that sign.
Alana Dawson says
Kathy, it’s hard to keep a look out for those signs sometimes isn’t it?! But when we call upon Him (and open our hearts and eyes) He answers us. May God reveal to you today, and in the future, those wild watermelons.
Blessings to you.
http://www./ says
Yo, that’s what’s up truthfully.
Pat Gay says
So true! I have always told those amazed at how many places I’ve lived, that I believe God moved me there. All His plans are better than anything I can imagine so I may as well accept it and look for the good one day at a time. His glory will be revealed when the time is right!
Alana Dawson says
Yes, Pat His plans are better. It’s when we accept it that we can truly grow.
Blessings!
toyin says
Leaving my job of 11 years to start all over in a new country, I sure feel like that gourd in a dessert. Thanks for the reminder that I am God’s planting and I can blossom anywhere I am planted. Looking forward to the beautiful in this move and hoping I can share it as you have done so well.
Alana Dawson says
Toyin, how awesome that you have stepped out in faith in this new endeavor. May God bless you and reveal to you all the beauty He has for you.
Blessings to you in this new adventure!
Pearl @ Look Up Sometimes says
Alana, what a beautifully written reminder that God’s love is constant despite all the change and hardship we endure.”He does not need paradise to produce.” Love this! Thank you!
Alana Dawson says
Thank you for your kind words Pearl. His love is constant no matter where we are. Amen!
Blessings!
Lisa says
Oh how I love this passage and your reminder of God’s presence and purpose in our lives today. I started as an Active Duty RN, married and had to make a decision to leave that career behind and follow an Active Duty spouse. For over 20 years I followed from state-to-state and even overseas, keeping my hand in my career as much as I could, while coming to appreciate and enjoy raising my children, volunteering, and working on crafts, etc. During one such move I found a phenomenal church family and discovered a relationship with my Savior, that of which I had never known. I realized….He always has a purpose. So much has transpired over the last 25 years, but now I find I can rest in the knowledge that He is in control and I don’t have to understand, I don’t have to “drive” or navigate the journey. It is only my job to trust, love, pray, and rest in the knowledge that things work to the good for those that love and serve Christ. Thank you for a wonderful reminder
Lisa
Alana Dawson says
Lisa, thank you for your service as active duty and then as a spouse. You are so right, He does always have a purpose. I find it freeing that our only job is trust in Him.
Blessings to you!
Cheri Johnson says
Love this, Alana! Beautifully written and packed with truth.
Alana Dawson says
Thank you Cheri.
Blessings!
Kristin says
What a powerful testimony! Thank you for sharing. I sit here with a house on the market wondering if/when we will move — and then where we will go. This year has been full of unexpected circumstances. Trusting that His hand is on this move and every other detail of our lives. I’ve never been to Hawaii (sounds perfectly lovely!!), but Taos, NM is unexpectedly one of my favorite places! I love how He can grow us where He plants us ❤️
Alana Dawson says
Kristin, you’re so welcome. I also love that He can grow us where He plants us. I will have to put Taos on my list to visit. It’s not too far, and I’ve heard from many people, now including you, how lovely it is. I will pray for the selling of your home and future move.
Blessings to you in this time of uncertainty.
Erika Kimberly says
I absolutely loved this! In the midst of a seemingly difficult year, I have found myself frustrated in so many ways. I have to remember that God has a plan and when life seems to be falling apart He is still there holding us together.
Thank you! Blessings.
Alana Dawson says
Erika,
Yes, He is holding it all together, even when all we see are the broken, scattered pieces. May He ease your frustrations and give you rest.
Blessings!
Lisa says
Alana, what a beautifully written story and so true… there are many things that flourish in the desert! I too followed my husband to New Mexico from my beloved Colorado. I literally felt like I was in the wilderness-alone; no friends, no family, no job. But here, God has been so patient with me and has grown me more than I dreamed possible. Yes, there have been many, many tears and trials but it is all worthwhile so I could better understand the God I live for. I pray He continues to show you His character and love.
Alana Dawson says
Lisa, I am so happy to hear I am not the only “girl growing in the desert”. 🙂 Thank you for your kind words. “To Him who is able to do exceedingly more than all we can ask or imagine.”(Ephesians 3:20)
Blessings!
Kelli McKnight says
I grew up in New Mexico so I always feel immediate kinship to anyone who’s also lived there! This line of your post jumped out at me …He does not need paradise to produce….Such a simple truth that we have to reminded of often. Thanks for your words!
Alana Dawson says
Kelli, I am loving New Mexico more and more each day! You’re so welcome.
Blessings to you!
Jeanne Takenaka says
Alana, I loved your post. As a military bride, I moved 3 times in our first 2 1/2 years of marriage. It was the move from Las Vegas to Alabama as a newlywed that nearly did me in. During my quiet times, God always encouraged me to plant roots downward and bear fruit upwards. This picture from Isaiah (and I think from one of the books of the Kings) was what I needed to learn to thrive where He placed me.
I so appreciate your words today and the reminder that we can lean into God in the deserts of our lives. We can trust Him to bear fruit and beauty when we are trusting Him. Thank you for this. 🙂
Alana Dawson says
Jeanne, I love hearing from other military spouses and thank you for your kind words. Moving is so hard, especially as newly weds. I can remember praying, just bring me one friend, Lord! More than once I might add. I love this image of growing downward and upward. He is able to be leaned on and trusted, isn’t He!
Blessings!
Rebecca L Jones says
Thank you military wives for their sacrifices. They too, serve. You may have moved from paradise, but God left His paradise in you.
Alana Dawson says
Rebecca, thank you, it’s a hard job but well worth it. Yes, He has left His paradise in me. What a lovely thought.
Thank you and blessings to you!
Pastor,Charles Omolo says
Sister Alana, thank you for the encouraging story full of truth.The lord takes care of me wherever l am,and even my ministry,as He takes care of the wild gourds.Thank you!
Alana Dawson says
Pastor Charles Omolo, you are so very welcome.
Blessings!
Julie Geistfelx says
I am so sorry to read about the baby.
Alana Dawson says
Julie, Thank you for your kind words.
Blessings to you!
Beth Williams says
Alana,
Jeremiah 29:11-12 is my life verse. I use it often to remind myself that God is in control and knows what He’s doing. God has certainly been growing me these past few years. My aging dad started having major medical issues. They got so bad that I ended up quitting my good job. He has taught me patience, something I didn’t have much of before. I have also learned perseverance. Through all this God performed a miracle and healed my dad back to “his normal”. God has also given me a part time job.
Blessings 🙂
Alana Dawson says
Beth, I love this verse too! It’s one I’ve had memorized since Junior High. Praise be to the Lord for your Father’s recovery and your part-time job. May He continue to bless you. Thank you for sharing your story.
Blessings to you!
Denie Sidney says
I really needed this. I am saved and have been struggling with a life altering detour for the last 5 years. I revisit the desert often. Sometimes I see the gourds. Sometimes I don’t. Thanks for reminding me of God’s concern for the details in my life plan.
Joanna @ Modern Ruth Project says
Thank you for sharing!! I just got married and my husband and I are suddenly contemplating a move to another country. It is hard to imagine and I worry about what life will look like. But I know God will provide!!
An says
Alana, I am so grateful to the Lord for this posting, for this gentle reminder that the Lord can transform and grow us regardless of our circumstances if we but trust in His goodness. I am in a place that seems inhospitable at times and yet our tender Lord sees and knows and has met me here in ways that I can’t describe that brings tears of sadness and joy 🙂 Sometimes we have to leave where we are to move into the places He needs us, much like Elijah or Jacob in the desert. May we focus on the new things He is doing, praising Him in these places of springing up ways in the wilderness and streams in the wastelands 🙂
PS It sounds like you found cactus pears or prickly pears on the Nopales cactus-they do taste like a cross between a pear and a cactus and can be found in grocery stores sans needles 🙂
Diane Bailey says
Alana this is a very good post We have all had times in the desert but He never calls us to the wilderness without planning to have an Amazing encounter with His beloved.