HSBC Coffeebreak Devotional

"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

I bought seeds yesterday. I know that it is February and snow is falling outside my window, but those seeds were something that I bought with joy. There are beautiful purple morning glories, daisies, bright pansies, orange poppies, and zinnia. The seeds for bright green beans, snap peas, fresh herbs, and juicy tomatoes are there as well. The rainbow of colors is dazzling to my imagination. They represent so much to me. They represent the promise of warmer weather, butterflies, shorts, campfires, and lazy afternoons when the sun's rays are less intense. They are all packaged up in a small envelope with a picture of the future they behold.

I know that summer will come and I want to prepare for it so that I can enjoy it fully. I have planned my vegetable beds, hanging flower pots, perennial garden, and I am even going to attempt acorn squash this year. There are gardening books on my coffee table full of facts and ideas I have never considered before. I can look outside and feel comfort knowing that the cold winds that blow over the brown landscape will eventually make way to new life. What anticipation I have for that day, for it will be a season of new life. What joy!

I had to take a moment to ask myself how I could be so excited about my future garden in the middle of winter. I think it is easy to say that the promise of a brighter future helps me get through the every day boredom of winter. I believe that God wants all of us to find the joy of living for Him to overshadow the difficulties we face in our current season. He has promised us a wonderful future, greater than anything we could even ask for, complete with the creator God himself. I get excited just thinking about it! This excitement encourages me to prepare. If I prepare for that great future on a daily basis, I can get through any season of life that I encounter. Perhaps I will take a risk and step out in faith, like the squash that I am going to attempt in my garden this summer. After all, the gardening book said I could do it! His Word gives me the knowledge I need to have faith and to trust that the small things I do now for the kingdom will reap a harvest in the future season. Even though I face hardships on a daily basis, all I have to do is look to my God to get back that joy. It is all written down in His book. I know that this season shall pass. Preparing for that fabulous tomorrow will give me all of the joy I require.

Written by
Lisa Waterman