One evening, early this summer, I was enjoying a few moments of quiet on my front porch. It's where I go to listen to my waterfall and wind chimes and to hear from God. On this particular evening, I was watching the goldfish in my pond. My husband and son had built this pond for me a couple of years ago for Mother's Day.
In the pond are three goldfish. We had purchased them from Wal-Mart several years ago when our son was younger. When we got them, they were each less than an inch long. They were kept in a bowl on the counter and over about a year's time, they didn't seem to grow much at all. Then, my husband built a tiny little pond in the back yard and we put the fish in there. They grew a couple of inches while they lived in that pond for about 2 years. Then, we built that much bigger pond by my front porch and moved the fish, once again, to a new home. Since we put them in this pond, they have grown several inches. They are quite beautiful and have developed shimmering white tails.
That summer night, as I sat there watching those fish, I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart. He showed me how each time, as the fish were placed in new, unfamiliar environments, bigger environments, they grew. (I read later that gold fish actually grow according to the size of the space they are placed in.) What if thats how it works with us? What if, when we allow the Lord to move us into new situations and circumstances, our faith grows or our dreams grow? The Lord showed me that if I wanted to go grow spiritually and emotionally, I would have to allow Him to move me to unfamiliar and maybe even scary territory. Had I become complacent and content with the condition of my heart, spiritually? Had I stopped growing, feeling secure right where I was?
Little did I know, as I sat there that evening, how God's words about those goldfish would stir my heart again and again. I couldn't have known that my summer would be full of new and scary and unfamiliar experiences. But the Lord had prepared my heart. He had shown me that if I was willing, if I would only trust Him, He would take me to and through new places that would cause me to grow; grow in my faith, grow in strength and most of all, see miracles of complete restoration and healing in relationships that would change my world, as I knew it.
My dear friend, if you are facing new and uncertain circumstances, if God is leading you to higher ground, it's only because He wants you to grow. Each time you allow Him to take to to a new place, you will experience glorious and beautiful growth. He wants you to expand the borders of your heart and walk out your dreams and hopes. He will surely walk with you and cover you with grace. Don't let the fear of growth and change hold you back from experiencing all that God has for you in this life.
From His Lap,
One evening, early this summer, I was enjoying a few moments of quiet on my front porch. It's where I go to listen to my waterfall and wind chimes and to hear from God. On this particular evening, I was watching the goldfish in my pond. My husband and son had built this pond for me a couple of years ago for Mother's Day.
