This blog is about my current thoughts that are occurring in my brain and my hope is that you can benefit by my sharing. If you have any thoughts or questions that you’d like to discuss, then please leave a comment or send me an e-mail because I would love to hear them and hash it out together.
I should not be surprised in the fact that I am getting another nature-based illustration about life from the Lord. It seems the Lord keeps speaking to me through nature on the Race. I say I shouldn’t be surprised because I do love nature and find it easy to see God in nature. Month 1 we gardened and swam in the ocean several of our days. Now I am in Nicaragua where I am near the ocean again.
I was reading something recently and it said “seeds grow in the darkness”. It reminded me of my time in El Salvador Month 1 where we gardened every other day and when God was working on ripping out the weeds (sins) in my life (see Blog titled: On the Field). Also. encouraging me to release those weeds in the ocean where God forgives our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
Have you ever thought about the process of how a tree comes to be? Maybe you remember back to your elementary school days when you potted bean plants on Earth Day? You take the tiny seed(s) and place them in a cup of dirt. You water it as needed. Over time, the seed starts to evolve into roots, then you see a stem, eventually leaves grow from the stem, and if you are lucky, beans start to sprout.
Anyways, I want to talk about the beginning phase. Seeds. They are potted deep within the darkness in the soil. They grow in the darkness. I am reminded of the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. If the seeds are planted in bad soil (rocky or dry) the plant will not come to be what it was designed to be because it will either grow too quickly and wither, or it will not be able to grow. But, when the seed is planted in good soil, (dark and fertile), the seeds will grow and thrive. “How is the soil?” (Numbers 13:20).
This world is full of sin because of what happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit. In christianese language, sin and darkness/death are synonymous. Those who have come to know Christ contain a light inside of them. Christ shines this light in us to expose the dark places. Before we came to know Christ, God used someone to plant that seed (to know Christ) in us. There is a lot to be said about things that happen in the darkness. Eventually, what is done in the dark will be exposed. Will you be ashamed or proud of what you have done in the dark? Are you planting seeds that will breed life or death? (Ephesians 5:8-14). God used others to water the seed. Still in darkness. But only God can actually grow the seed. Jesus is the living water. Those who drink the living water will thirst no more (John 4:10-11).
We all face dark times in life. Last month was a struggle. I believe that God used last month in Honduras to grow Team Relentless closer to both Himself and each other. Darkness is the absence of light, but when Jesus steps in, darkness has to flee because Jesus is the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16). We don’t see the growth that happens in the dark places until it is exposed to the light. To learn more about the time in Honduras, read “Be The Light” blog.
Like all seeds/plants, if we want them to grow, then we have to tend to them via watering and pruning. If we want our faith and intimacy with the Lord to grow, then we have to pray, read the Bible, and seek the Lord. We also have to be willing to dig down deep and get rid of all the rubble to get to the solid Rock (God) and allow Him to lay the foundation.
Fundraising status: I am only in need of $351.00 more. So close! I do have several team mates and squad mates that need a lot more if you are interested in helping someone else out as well! You can find their pages on the left side of my page. I believe that Ashley and Claire are fully funded, but everyone else is still in need of raising support.
Ministry in Nicaragua is going well. Will be posting a blog about what we have been up to soon! Prayers that we engage and spend our time wisely is appreciated. Thanks! If you have any prayer requests that you would like me or my team to pray about for you, then feel free to share. I would love to pray for you.
Keep Lookin’ Up,
Misha
p.s. There are many photos and a few videos on my Facebook page if you’d like to view them.
