November 8, 2023

Rhonda Patterson
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.”
Isaiah 61:11

It took some time, but this summer, as the extreme drought persisted, we began to notice a relatively sizeable patch of life in the middle of our yard. Green grass was growing, and a few small trees in this area were thriving. As everything else surrounding it became increasingly brown, crunchy, and dead, it became apparent that we had a lovely oasis in the middle of our yard. Okay, yes, it was brought about because of a water leak in our main line, but let’s not miss the analogy here. When we allow the living water of God to transform us and use us for His kingdom purposes, we bring glory to his name and resemble an oasis to the lost world around us. Philippians 2:15 tells us that we “shine among them like stars.”

Father, may we not be discouraged by the depravity and brokenness around us, but daily, look for ways to bring glory to your great name, and may righteousness and praise spring up before all!