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“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16 (NIV)

There’s nothing like a long bike or jeep ride down a scenic trail in the fall to calm the soul. My husband and I enjoy taking the top off our jeep and riding through the mountains as we take in the breathtakingly scenic views of color. I always come back from one of those rides feeling peaceful and hopeful.

What we see as beautiful is really the dying process of the changing leaf, which results in vibrant colors. The leaf is giving everything it has to the tree; it is surrendering its life in that season. As the leaf dies it will show off every color that was put in it before it dies, as long as it’s connected to the tree. And in a different season new life will appear where the dying leaves once were.

As believers, we can display the same beautiful colors with our faith.

It’s no secret that life can be cruel. It can shatter our hearts in a moment and leave us gasping for breath – unsure of what will come at us next. One minute our life is planned out for us and in the next minute – everything is gone. The landscape can change so drastically that there’s nothing left to go back to.

There will be times when we have to surrender our dreams and the way we “thought” life would be. Surrender is not giving up. It’s just accepting a purpose and plan beyond our own individual understanding – and acknowledging God’s will. Even though we may think (and feel) the brokenness will kill us, surrendering our lives to God’s greater plan will bring about a peace (and hope) that renews us daily.

If we hold onto our faith and keep taking the next step, one day at a time, sometimes even one minute at a time; our most painful seasons can become beautiful.

Just like the leaf, God put a lot of beautiful things in us when He formed us in our mother’s womb. Others are watching us in our journey, and when we allow the light of God to shine through us, our colors show off in the way we live. In our daily actions of showing love, comfort and hope to others. Even though our own lives aren’t what we had planned. The simple truth is peace and pain can co-exist in a person’s life.

If we don’t let go of our hope in Him, He will breathe new life into us and allow every beautiful thing in us to make a magnificent display for His Kingdom.

“Father help us to hold onto You today no matter how much life hurts. Help us to surrender our dreams into Your safe hands. For we know that You will renew us and allow us to display our colors for Your greater purpose.”

For His Glory

Laura Holmes (www.EphraimMinistries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life