The tree pictured above doesn’t look so impressive. This tree looks barren, uninviting and lifeless. It is a good representation of the chill in the air as I walked among the trees this morning. However, appearances are often deceiving. Just as with this tree, some of the very things in our lives that appear to be hopeless and lifeless are just lying dormant and waiting to bloom.
The next photos give a better representation of what is really going on. If you pass by casually, you’d never notice. Yet, if you take time to look closely, you can see the new life. There are often things in our lives that we have left for dead. We often fail to notice the potential remaining in situations and dreams that seem to have died or that are longer comfortable to hold on to. 
Even though this tree appears lifeless, God will allow it to bloom with fragrant flowers that will soon attract bees and continue the cycle of life. Later, this tree will be lush with green leaves that will provide protection and a home to singing birds. And still months later, those leaves will blaze brightly with brilliant color that will ultimately glorify our God.
So…if there are a few things in your life that you’ve given up on or left for dead, look again!
With God, those things that look lifeless and hopeless can find a new season, a new purpose and an opportunity to once again bloom. It is up to us to expect a season of spring even when we are surrounded by the harsh cold winds of winter and grey skies of doubt loom near.
We don’t always look like we are doing well at various times in our lives. An illness, financial difficulties troublesome relationships or other matters can have us looking less than our best. The good news is God isn’t done with us either. We, too, have the potential for new life!
“The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail,” Isaiah 58:11 NKJV
“Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live,” Ezekiel 37:5 NKJV
B Is for Blessed! 
A very good post regarding vines which don’t look like much, yet can be very fruitful when our Lord uses them. We blossom through our “feeding” from the main branch which is Christ Jesus!
Thanks, Lilka…
Steve
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Thanks for stopping by!
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I’m sorry I meant to say thanks Lilka we know “B” is for blessed so either way it goes thanks…blessed Lilka ;=)
LaTrice
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I know what you meant 😉
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Awesome illustration “B” Thanks for sharing.
LaTrice
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Thanks LaTrice for stopping by 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
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Great analogy. There are all kinds of lessons we can learn from nature/from Abba if we just take the time to look, listen to spirit and be aware. It’s often the dormant times in life that Abba teaches us the most. hugs.
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You are so right! I will admit I’m still working on the look and listen. I’ve often learned the most from my lowest points. I hope you are having a wonderful week.
Peace!
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Ahh, I know I definitely haven’t been looking my best as I struggle with so many different challenges right now, but it’s so encouraging to know that there are beautiful buds just below the surface just waiting to explode with colour and life and with the hope of better days to come! Thank you as always Lilka for your very timely and wonderfully encouraging post.
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I’m glad that post was good for you. It was nice to come home from a long days work and find that you had come by for a “visit” 🙂
The potential is always there, we just have to look for it.
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It’s a great analogy and well spotted! Goodness me! You’d think we would learn never to give up and yet we always need reminding.
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Loved the photos and the analogy! We often go through tough times and it can seem like we are dormant. However, during those tough times and what seems like a dormant period in our lives our God can work in a mighty way. Be blessed and find a way to bless someone else!
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Hey Shelly,
Thanks so much for stopping by! I was walking around those trees all week and could not get them out of my mind. Yes, our dormant times can be rough but I will admit I’m a much better person because of them. I find God is doing the most when I “see” the least. Have a wonderful week!
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Amen! The Lord does so much in the dormant times and although they are hard, I wouldn’t trade them. They are the times my faith is tested and perseverance is developed.
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