A Jericho Rose
I don’t think I have been shy in sharing that it has been a difficult season at the same time that it has been a season of abundance. It doesn’t seem logical that I can be in both these seasons at the same time, but I am. This past weekend, I was cleaning my desk and picked up an old “Strength and Grace” devotional that mentioned a Jericho rose. This plant, although it may seem dead, comes back to life when it is placed in a little bit of water. In order for it to continue to live and survive, the water source has to be removed at least one day a week. In its dormant state, it can survive for years without water only to come back to life when the water source is provided. Its nickname is the resurrection plant. When I read this, I immediately went on Amazon and ordered it so it would arrive in time for Rob’s birthday celebration. Part of me wondered if it was real-if it would work. When I added water and watched it slowly come back to life, all I could think of is what an amazing symbol of rebirth, of resurrection. What once was dead or lost coming back to life with living water-spiritual rebirth that is found in our Father and the living water He provides. I have looked at this photo countless times today. I needed the reminder that if this plant can come back and be reborn, healing is possible in all of us. We may go through difficult seasons, or dry seasons, but it does not mean that a season of abundance is not coming. It does not mean that we cannot be reborn and thrive again. “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:3-5, NIV)
Like us, the Jericho Rose does not lose it ability to be reborn in its dormant state, it lies in wait until it is ready to receive the living water. Sound familiar? Are we reborn when we are not fully ready to accept God in our lives? Do we truly thrive and bloom when we only accept Him along the edges? When the Jericho Rose receives a little water, portions of it come back to life but it remains wilted and brown, it is only when it is fully immersed that it begins to truly bloom. Only when we walk fully towards our Heavenly Father can we fully bloom.
I’m going to keep this picture as a reminder to me of what is possible when you fully turn to God and willingly accept His living water. What once was seemingly dead and without hope, blooms to what it was created to become. I don’t think I need any more inspiration than that simple picture.
Today I pray that you seek the living water. I pray that if you are in a dormant or dry season, that you willingly and fully immerse yourself in God and bloom fully in His grace.
I pray these words spoke to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.
