This is a picture of my first pansies to bloom this spring. I was so surprised to see them blooming in the minuscule cracks of a hard place instead of the soft prepared soil of my garden. I felt like the Lord was speaking to me through these pansies when I first noticed them this week.

Have you ever felt like you are between a rock and a hard place? We’re facing some hard changes in our circumstances and the very real possibility of some hard decisions ahead. Lately, I often feel rather delicate, small and fragile just like these little pansies. I was so intrigued to see them bloom and thrive in the crevice of some old cement. They are obviously so much stronger than they look and by the grace of God, so am I! It seems like such a great illustration of the hope we have in the Lord’s promises of His provision, protection, and blessings for us no matter how hard our current situation seems to be.

These blooming little fragile pansies may be a small thing, but it encourages me to know that if God can provide for some delicate pansies to thrive and display such beauty in a difficult place, how much more is His desire to take good care of us. In Philippians 4:19 we have the promise that “My God will supply all your need according to His riches in Glory in Jesus”.

Lord, help us to trust You for the protection and miraculous provision for us in the hard places we often find ourselves in. Thank You for the promises in Your Word that are light unto out path and a life preserver to cling to. Thank You for Your peace that passes understanding, Your strength in our weakness and for the hope of Your sufficient amazing grace for each day. And thank You for helping us to bloom in the hard places to display your glory. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

 

Encouraging Scriptures

 

“…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 a hope and future…”Jeremiah 29:11

 

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

 

The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed ; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness . Isaiah 41:1

 

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

 

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalms 138:8

 

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Isaiah 40:29

 

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. I Corinthians 2:9-10

 

My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

 

He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

 ©JoBeth Kested 2014