Untapped Resources
by Peter Brokaar
Every spring I collect some branches from willow trees once they produce catkins. I love seeing them appear on the trees, as it’s a sure sign spring is near! Both my son and I love these fluffy furry balls and it’s a joy to bring them into our home. Normally, we put them in a dry vase so they dry out and last all year. But this time, without thinking about it, I put them in water.
Without expecting it, I noticed one day that the branches were growing! Whereas before they were brown and bare, now lots of fresh, bright green leaves appeared and something of a root system developed inside the vase. Whereas I thought I would just have the catkins to enjoy, I now also have lovely, living greenery brightening up our kitchen.
This made me consider how we never really know what’s hidden inside something or someone, how there is hidden beauty waiting to spring forth once the conditions are right. The cells making up these willow branches are literally programmed, through their DNA, to burst forth into life when conditions are right. Though in winter these branches look dead. But they are really just waiting, ready to grow and blossom in the warmth of spring.
Only God knows what possibilities lie inside each person. Often we don’t even know exactly what we are capable of, or what untapped resources lie within. We don’t just have our God-given, unique DNA, we also have a human spirit, formed by the Lord, filled with near limitless possibilities, God’s super-abundant vision for our lives. But, as trees need sunshine, so we need love to flourish. Perhaps you are struggling because love was not given in the way you needed it. Perhaps you don’t think you are a particularly capable person because you have not yet received the love of God in the depths of your heart.
I am convinced that in each of us lie undelved-into resources, giftings, and abilities which God wants to grow. Who knows what we can really do, or what hidden talents and latent giftings we contain? Only God truly knows. Today I want to encourage you to look forward to the ‘yet more’ God wants to give, to ask Him for His dreams for your life, and to open your mind to the idea that God put much more inside you than meets the eye. I am enjoying watching these willow branches bursting forth with new life. How much more do you think God will enjoy watching you grow and blossom?
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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