Approaching
the outskirts of Moscow in winter is a long train ride through a bitterly cold
panorama of barren trees and snow-covered fields. It seems impossible that life
can exist in these conditions. On one such trip I was invited to a
simple greenhouse behind a friend’s home. There, in the dead of winter were
summer green plants; beautiful vegetables of many varieties thriving while
surrounded by a completely frozen landscape. In like manner, worship and praise
has a greenhouse effect in our souls, providing conditions for life in the
midst of a spiritually barren environment. Lord of Life, I will praise You at
all times! Faith springs alive in my heart, warmed by Your Glorious Presence
and Resplendent Light in the midst of darkness.
John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim's Progress from This World, to That Which Is to Come” is an allegory written while he was imprisoned for his Christian beliefs. Until we reach the Golden Gates of Heaven we must progress in our walk of faith here on earth. Each time I think I understand God’s ways and means He turns the diamond and new facets of His splendor emerge. For the true believer there is no spiking the ball in the end zone on this side of Glory; there is no settling down where we are in this life. Not only am I tolerant of this constantly changing status, I am genuinely thankful for it. I am being pulled toward eternal purpose that I cannot fathom but I instinctively know awaits me. So I’ll keep my shoes on until it’s over. Lord, though I struggle in Your arms, You never let me go. Keep me moving toward Your perfect will. Help me never miss a turn or stop unnecessarily. Keep me progressing toward Your perfect will.
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