“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.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NAS).
Dr. Paul David Tripp, Pastor, author, and counselor says, “If you find you’re not liking the harvest of your life at this moment, maybe you’ve planted the wrong kind of seeds this past year.” Maybe you’ve withdrawn, pulled the blinds shut, and refused to return phone calls. If so, there’s no time like the present to plough up those walls of isolation.
He suggests calling those friends you’ve shunned and telling them you’ve made a mistake, you need them in your life, and fertilizing those dormant seeds with love. Or maybe, you need to plant new seeds. Ask God to show you what and where He wants to use you to help others. Remember, God never wastes anything—even our loneliness.
As I began to harvest some of those lonely seeds that flourished after our daughter’s death, God spoke that He wasn’t finished with me yet. He opened doors of opportunity and I learned to write. He opened doors of friendship and help that led to the publishing of two books, then three more written with new friends He provided. God has fields-a-plenty that need plowing and seeding and harvesting…some with your name on them. The old year will soon retire and 2019 will rush in. As God told Israel…He has plans to give them “…a hope and a future.” And He has those same plans for you. Plowing time is here, and planting time is near!
Let’s make that “Thankful List,” learn to practice the presence of our Lord Jesus, and look for new roads and new fields to plow – knowing God will provide the harvest when we’re faithful to plant.
Wife, mother, and Mimi, freelance artist and photographer, DiAne Gates writes for children, young adults, and non-fiction for adults through her blogs, http://dianegates.wordpress.com/ and www.floridagirlturnedtexan.wordpress.com. She also facilitates a GriefShare support group. DiAne’s award winning, ROPED, first in her western adventure series released July of 2015, and the second book, TWISTED, released by Pelican Book Group July 14, 2017. Third book in this series, UNTIED, is her WIP. You can find DiAne on Facebook.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/lovelyday12