The magnolia trees are in full bloom. Actually, they are nearing the end of their blooming season.
I typically think of magnolias as “tulip” trees because their blooms remind me of tulips, but I have learned that the tulip tree is another species altogether.
Whatever they are called, they certainly make for fantastic floral displays in the spring. Here in the Lower Mainland, they are grown in large numbers, so you can drive down entire streets full of them. It is a beautiful sight.
Magnolias are not winter-hardy trees. I don’t recall ever seeing one in Northern BC or the prairies. There are many varieties ranging from near dwarfs to massive specimens over 100 feet tall.
The magnolia blooming season is short, lasting only a few weeks in the spring. Afterward, it fades into the realm of being “just another tree” on someone’s lawn. I hardly even give them a glance when driving by.
We don’t pay attention, not thinking the tree must put in another full year of growing to put in net spring’s blooms.
It can be that way in our relationship with God. We notice if He is working in some spectacular way, forgetting that He is at work in us every moment of every day. Many times, a great deal of work comes into play behind the scenes to make it happen.
Many people I know consider their conversion experience to be some decision made instantaneously. They forget that God orchestrated things behind the scenes their entire lives until that moment.
He knew what you would have to go through and how many times you would need to hear the gospel before you would bend your knee. He put people in place to pray for you, sometimes for many years before you truly hear and respond.
We can get frustrated, waiting for our friends and loved ones to have that magnolia bloom moment and accept Christ. We cannot give up on them. God knows His elect and will not abandon moving heaven and earth until they are all sealed with His Spirit.
The Lord hears our prayers.
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9
Hold steady. Continue to pray, to love others, and to share the gospel. God is faithful even when we feel we can endure no more. He is working behind the scenes, even when the results are not apparent to us yet.
Hold fast and be encouraged. God is working on a more beautiful harvest than a street full of magnolias.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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