I was just about to clip off the branches on the tree that to me looked dead. There were no leaves, there was no fruit, it was apparently barren and hanging down in the way. As I reached toward the branch with the lopping shears opened ready to dispose of the offending, dead branch, my wife said, “Wait! Look, there’s life!” As I followed her look and closely examined the branch I too saw it. Sure enough. There on the side of the otherwise barren branch were a few nubs of fresh growth pushing up from under the bark of the branch. “Let’s see what comes of it,” she said. So I didn’t cut it off. What I thought was dead had a hidden life that was growing and expanding into new leaves and eventually fruit. What you see as a dead investment of time, or money, or effort may have within it the hidden life of possibility that can only come when Christ makes good come from harsh circumstances. You may not see it now. You may even wish you could just cut off the wasted time or effort. Something in your life may feel like it’s dead. You may be ready to turn your back and give up hope. But wait! See what comes of it. If Christ is in your life, He may bring life where you thought there was only deadness. God has a way of working like that!
If you have any prayer requests, please feel free to send them to me. I’ll be sure our Prayer Partners pray for you specially this week.
I would also encourage you to engage with the opportunities to get connected beyond your classes. Try these options:
- Facebook; Twitter; APU SoulQuest Web site
- Fellowships at your Regional Center — check with the Regional Center staff for dates and times;
- Fellowships at Azusa Campus — Tuesday nights, 7:30pm in Wilden Pump Room – with Brian Holland and Kevin Mannoia
Every other Monday night 6:30pm in Warren Music Center – with Jarret Lemaster
Wednesday nights, 6:30pm in Duke Student Lounge – with Mike Platter
Blessings on you,
Kevin
http://www.apu.edu/soulquest/
