CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 892

 “New Beginnings”

And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9)

I gave my wife an orchid in January last year. It bloomed for a few months and then went dormant. It appeared to be a green stick in a pot – nothing more. After several months my wife asked if she could throw it away. Its leaves appeared healthy and vibrant so I suggested that she continue to care for it. This week, almost a year later, the orchid has blessed us once again with beautiful blossoms.

This orchid reminded me of how long-suffering our Lord is with us when we are obstinate, disobedient, and fail to bear fruit in our lives for His Kingdom. As indicated in the parable of the vinedresser, God will continue to nurture and care for us for a season seeking to change our hearts.

The Lord…is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

I am also reminded by this orchid that there are new beginnings that come following seasons of dormancy. What appeared to be alive but merely existing is now vibrant again and bearing beautiful fruit. Have you ever felt that way – alive but merely existing, marking time with little hope of a brighter future? May this orchid’s new beginning this year be a sign of hope for you as it is for me. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Another lesson from this orchid and our parable today is that God has never left us alone to wither and die in isolation. Even when He seems distant, He is by our side protecting and nurturing us. He sends His ministering angels to watch over us. He prompts our brothers and sisters in Christ to come alongside as ‘vinedressers’ to encourage and exhort us with the real food and water of His Word.

If you are in need of hope and encouragement, know that the Lord makes all things new. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Revelations 21:5)

If you are seeking God for a new beginning, continue to seek, ask, and knock. Continue to place your hope in Him and do not rely on or resort to the methods and practices of this world in a feeble attempt to manipulate your circumstances and ‘help God out’. Seek His kingdom and righteousness first and abide in His presence continually. Trust Him and He will give you perfect peace as He brings you out of the wilderness.

And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great. (Job 8:7)