Burning Question:
Who has taught you the most about sacrifice?
Morning Devotional:
I went home after work yesterday to something I think my dog considered to be a crime scene. She was pretty confused because all of the beautiful fall leaves in the yard had mysteriously disappeared!
I knew what had happened. The lawn care company my HOA hired came through the neighborhood and cleared all the yards of the leaves. But to my poor Abbie, all she knew was that the big giant metal leaf sucking vacuum machine drove through the yard and stole all of her outdoor entertainment. There were no more leaves for her to run through, sniff or chase.
Watching her wander aimlessly through the bare grass, I thought about a couple of times when God allowed some things in my life to be drastically cleared away – and just like Abbie, I mourned what was lost.
When we see things like empty yards, ruined plans or broken expectations, we tend to linger on what is missing, forgetting that the Father is preparing us for something new. What looks like an ending to us might be a clearing to Him.
That’s why I love the word He gives us in Isaiah 43:19: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
God is at work in the empty spaces. Let’s make sure we’re watching for the “new thing” He’s about to do, because it is sure to be good.
– Beth
Bible Quiz:
Question: The elders of what church wept over Paul?
Answer: Ephesus (Acts 20:37)
Storytime: The Whale and Eutychus.