The transition between winter and spring is upon us when everything is withered and faded while also hinting something new is at hand. I can smell the aromas unique to the season and feel an electricity in the air.

“Like My seasons, you are also experiencing a shift.” said the Lord. “Do you perceive the new thing that I am doing?”

His comment stirred excitement for the potential contained within His Words, but also slight anxiety for what it might mean. I replied with hesitation. “I sense you have planted seeds within the soil of my heart, Lord.”

The pause in conversation caused me to turn toward the direction of my Savior’s voice. Jesus was admiring the cut flowers I had proudly displayed in a clear vase, His hand gently touching the petals, like a gardener admiring the fruits of his labor.

I smiled as Jesus pulled a particular flower from the vase. His gaze still on the blossom, Jesus moved toward me. My breath was shallow as I waited for Him to speak.

“Your heart is My garden, filled with the seeds of My Words. Beware of the tares that have also been sown by the enemy. Let no one deceive you, starve those tares so they will wither and be swept away. My Words are alive, and My promises are set to germinate. Stay close to Me. Abide in Me. Remain in My Love.”

I could not pull my gaze from the Lord’s face as He continued speaking over me.

“I AM your Gardener. Your time of pruning is over. Forget all former things and do not dwell on the past. I am declaring new things in your life and they are springing up as we speak. I make everything beautiful in its time.”

Softly smoothing my hair, Jesus placed the flower behind my ear.

“You are like a lily among thorns, My darling. Strong and captivating, you are the object of My Love. I have set My Spirit in your heart. Step out, it is now time for the harvest.”

Comforted by John 15:1-9; Song of Solomon 2:2; Isaiah 40:8, 43:18-19, 61:11; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11; Galatians 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Luke 8:11; Matthew 13:25-38; Genesis 2:8, 3:1,8; Deuteronomy 22:9.

The unpredictability of my life has planted me squarely in the center of uncertainty. This is not the first time I have been plagued with doubt, but I still found my heart being thrust into a place of secrecy.

“I did not create you to hide.” said the Lord. “Quite the opposite.”

Recognizing the Lord’s voice, I quickly pulled the cloak away, exposing my concealed heart. “I am not hiding from you, Lord. I am hiding from this world that is too painful.”

“I AM the Light of the world. No one can hide where I cannot see them, for My Light floods all of heaven and earth. I know you feel battered by life, but its pounding force is shaping you into a golden candlestick which will put Me on display. I created you to be My light-bearer, illuminating the dark skies of this painful world.”

The smallness of my faith suddenly became a big reality, filling my soul with sadness and my eyes with tears.

Jesus gently caressed my face, His thumb brushing a tear from my cheek. Leaning forward as if to reveal a secret thing, I could feel Jesus’ face scarcely resting on mine as He whispered, “I cherish the tears that flow from your tender heart. I keep them close to Me, contained in a bottle which bears your name.”

Moving to the windows, looking out to the horizon, Jesus continued. “I know your pain and your wanderings, but a day is soon coming when your tears will be wiped away and everything will be made new. When the doubtful questions arise, run into the safety of My secret place where you can rest in the arms of The Almighty. My Light will remain bright from within My fortress, but any other hiding place will camouflage My True Light.”

The Light was taken up and the room became splintered with sunshine as I heard my Savior’s voice saying, “Today you sow in tears, but one day soon you will reap in joy.”

Comforted by Ecclesiastes 2:14; Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 58:8, 91:1, 126:5-6; Matthew 5:14-15, John 8:12; Luke 8:16-18, Exodus 25:31; Revelation 21:4.

The forest outside my window disappeared within a thick blanket of bluish gray fog, revealing only the first row of trees. I know this landscape well, but it left me wondering what might be hiding behind the wall of haze.

“Have you placed a veil between us?” asked the Lord.

Surprised by the question, I turned to find Jesus walking along the back of the room, looking down as though He was searching for something.

“No, Lord.” I quickly answered. “The veil that divided us was torn when You died on the cross and rose to Glory.”

“Yes, I destroyed that veil.” the Lord confirmed. “But you can fabricate another partition on your own.”

As my Savior moved toward me, I realized He was waiting for me to search my heart. Hesitating, knowing full well what was clouding my view, I released a heavy sigh of defeat. Slowly shaking my head side-to-side, I inhaled deeply as if to invoke a thread of courage.

“It is fear, Lord.” Drawing comfort from His loving eyes, I confessed. “I allowed fear to come between us.”

Jesus swept the hair across my face, kissing my forehead, like a mother who cherishes her newborn. “There will be many times when the uncertainties of life will be conducted from within a fog bank. Remember to use the Spiritual eyes I have given to you, keeping them focused on Me. Do not fear. Do not doubt, for I am only one breath away.”

The Lord’s Words sparked something inside me, causing my fear to fade. The fog outside was lifting, beams of light streaming through the mist with a rainbow of colors bouncing off the particles. Smiling at the beauty, I turned to share in the moment with Jesus.

Saddened to find the room empty, it began to fill with Light as the Lord’s voice rang out.

“Fear not, My child. For I know when you seek Me. I will always come to you in the storms of your life, when you call upon My name.”

Comforted by Psalm 44:21; John 8:12; Mark 15:28; Ephesians 2:13-14; Matthew 14:22-32, 15:16, 28:5; Deuteronomy 20:8

I began to realize that God was doing a work in my husband’s spirit. An invisible, internal work with an eternal preparation.

Lamenting his ailing condition, I cried out to the Lord with a question, but was immediately filled with fear for the answer.

“Are You preparing my husband for something?”

“I am preparing you both for My plans.” said the Lord. “Your husband’s earthly tent is wasting away. He is burdened on many levels.”

Already laden with responsibility, my request seemed to come across with a tinge of pleading. “Give me grace to be strong in the care and advocacy for my husband. Enable me to be a wise and noble woman as I conduct the affairs of our household.”

Feeling Jesus’ hands on my shoulders, I looked up into my Savior’s eyes. His voice was soft like a whisper. “The time for care is drawing to a close. Your husband’s spirit is groaning and desires to be clothed with his eternal house in heaven, but his heart is still earth-bound with you, My dear. It is time to release him to Me.”

I fell to the floor weeping with the thought of losing my husband.

Jesus knelt down, meeting me in my pain. “Your sacrifice is sweet to Me and your tears dampen My feet like ointment. I see your great love, but your work on earth is not yet finished.”

The Lord continued as He slowly stood to His feet. “Be confident and do not lose heart. I have been preparing you inwardly, fashioned with intent for a future purpose at an appointed time.”

My heart leaped as the Lord’s voice rang over me. “You are an eternal crown of splendor in My hand, whose value is far greater than rubies. I will exchange these ashes for beauty. Rise up, My virtuous woman.”

Comforted by Isaiah 61:3; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Proverbs 31:10, 27; Luke 7:36-50; Isaiah 62:3; Philippians 4:18; Ezra 6:10

As I stare into the woods with a blank gaze, I feel hope drain from my heart. Illusive hope, appearing just out of reach, blocked by circumstances. My dreams are becoming faint images, no longer recognizable. Are You schooling me in hope, Lord?

“There is purpose in your suffering.” the Lord said, sitting down next to me. “Be confident that your faith will produce a substance, proving your expectation of Me.  Allow your suffering to fertilize the buried seeds of faith, putting your flesh to death, and quickening your spirit.”

My raw thoughts revealed themselves before I could stop my tongue. “I don’t see any seeds. Just dust.”

Jesus put his arm around me, pulling me close, fully understanding the tender state of my heart. “Patiently wait for what you cannot see: because no one hopes for what they can already see.”

Pausing, giving me time to ponder His Words, Jesus continued. “Suffering confirms your spiritual knowledge and power and thoroughly completes the work I am doing in you. It will cause you to resolutely turn in My direction, producing a substructure that will support your foundation and join us perfectly together.”

The thought of being perfectly joined to my Lord, made my heart skip a beat. I felt a glimmer within my soul. Resting my head on His shoulder, I tried to soak up all His love and compassion for what might lie ahead. Feeling a little anxious, I asked, “How long should I expect to be in this state, Lord?”

“You will suffer a little while.” Jesus explained. “Hope in Me, for I am your portion. You will abound in Hope as I fill you with joy and peace. At the appointed time, I will lift you above the suffering and bring you restoration. Humble yourself and trust Me. I am your Messiah. I will deliver you from this trial and exalt you in due time.”

Jesus turned to face me: I lost myself in His eyes.

“I am the Anchor of your soul. Wait patiently and bend to My redemptive time.”

Comforted by Hebrews 6:19; 11:1; Lamentations 3:24; Romans 8:24-25; 15:13; 1 Peter 3:18; 5:6-10; Philippians 1:29

The ground below my feet feels unstable, as I attempt to scale this mountain in my life. I am immobilized as I look out over the pinnacle with its avalanche of loose gravel, trying to negotiate my first step, Lord.

“You see unrestrained rocks, but those are chiseled pieces from the obstacle blocking your path.” said the Lord. “I went before you, chipping a path across the ridge to prepare the Way for your steps. I am your tether, give me your hand and keep your eyes on Me.”

Moving my foot side-to-side across the ground, pieces of rock fell from the cliff and out of sight. Looking up, I said to Jesus, “I am certain that my demise awaits my move.”

His eyes fixed upon me; the Lord responded with a firm tone. “Things are not what they appear. You will either convince yourself of an insurmountable lie, or you will trust the Words I speak to you. You are safe in My hands, but it will be your decision whether or not to move forward.”

Jesus stood there, never lowering His hand as I pondered His Words, hesitation gripping my heart.

“I am the Living Stone, building you into a spiritual house.” Jesus continued, diverting my attention back to Him. “That obstacle in your path? It is you. You are the obstacle. Yield to the good work that I am doing in your life, sculpting you into a perfect image of Me. You are My living stone, chosen by God and precious to Him.”

Fear was fighting me on every side, but the Author of my faith was standing on the edge of the rockslide with His hand outstretched, waiting for me.

Inhaling deeply as if it was my last breath, I leaned forward reaching for Jesus’ hand. Courage flooded my soul when I felt His strong and steady grip as He pulled me toward Him. With the forward momentum, I took that crucial step of faith, my foot landing hard upon the loose gravel. To my delight, it was instead, solid ground.

Comforted by Hebrews 12:2; Jeremiah 23:29; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 85:13; 1 Peter 2:4; Numbers 13:31; Psalm 37:23; Psalm 40:2; John 14:6