Trials and tribulations.....Fruitfulness from seeming failures.

Burnt brush

Burnt brush with new grasses growing

Last weekend as we took a two hour hike in the bush, we saw acre upon acre as far as the eye could see of burnt ground. With a closer look, there were little green sprouts of new growth beginning. When I asked the guide about this I was told that the brush is purposefully burned to allow new grasses and vegetation for the animals to eat. Also the burnt grasses may be used by poachers to expose animals. I was reminded of some important spiritual lessons.

#1.  Beauty may come from ashes
#2. New growth may only come after a painful burning away of the old things
#3. The Evil one is seeking to destroy


And provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. 
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor.  Isaiah 61:3

See, I have refined you, though not as silver, I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. Isaiah 48:10

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

This adventure with Beit CURE Zambia has been quite an experience.....

• joys and sorrows
• tears and laughter
• life and death
• work and rest
• teaching and learning
• loneliness and fellowship.... 
• all part of the refining process......to God be the glory, great things He has done!