Have you ever seen lilies before they open? They are rather unremarkable: one long green straight stem with several green leaves leading up to a long, often white and green, closed flower bud. Have you ever gifted someone flowers in that state?
I know I did recently. As I handed over the three green stems I felt a sense of disenchantment in my heart. What a gift. There were plenty of other blooms I could have chosen: sweet smelling roses, vibrate yellow sunflowers or gerberas in every colour of the rainbow. Instead
I chose three unassuming green stems
They were placed in water and sat tall, but looking incredibly plain in their vase.
If you had never seen lilies before imagine the disappointment. If only the recipient knew, inside those closed flower buds was beauty waiting to unfold at just the right time. Colours and an aroma you would never have imagined.
Have you ever felt like that? I know I have for many years. ‘Just a mum’ with so much experience, so much passion, highly educated, so much to offer the world. But hidden.
Hidden in plain sight
No voice…just unseen jobs, the everyday home duties, the day to day of raising children. I felt that I had so much potential shut up inside, I wondered if all of the ‘real me’ would ever emerge.
His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
Jer 20:9
But I’ve come to understand God always sees the potential hidden in us.
What is in you is not hidden forever
He is doing a beautiful work IN you. Keep standing tall. Keep connected to Him. It’s almost time, be joyful in hope knowing the beauty inside will be seen in its proper time.
Everything in me wanted to force open the flower buds and show what was to come. But I knew better. And the flowers stood tall in the vase. What a gift.
Do not despise these small beginnings
Zech 4:10
God is working something beautiful and what He has started He will bring to completion (Phil 1:6). He has placed so much in you and just like those lilies, all will be revealed in time. You cannot force them open.
‘It is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’ says the Lord Almighty
Zech 4:6
Be patient. At just the right time they will open. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain will stand in your way (Zech 4:7).
Forced flowers have no fragrance
At just the right time, ALL the promises over your life will come to pass. You can trust Him.
Are you feeling unseen, unheard or undervalued?
Don’t despair. God has a plan for your life. All that is hidden away in you will emerge. Your time is coming.
Be joyful in hope
Rom 12:12
Here is what you can do in the waiting:
Dig Deep into God’s Word: Immerse yourself in Scripture and let it nourish your soul. Be connected to the source and allow Him to fill you.
Cultivate Intimacy with God: Spend quality time with Him daily, pouring your heart out in prayer and worship. Intimacy always proceeds new life.
Trust God’s Timing: Believe that He knows the perfect moment for your breakthrough. No trust, no hope. So take time to build your trust in Him remembering Jesus was somewhat ‘hidden’ for 30 years.
Be Joyful in Hope: Even in the waiting, choose joy and trust in God’s promises. Know who you are in Him and be confident that what He has placed inside you will shine at just the right time.
Encourage Others: Share your hope and faith with those who need it, even in your waiting.
People are not going to believe what was hiding inside you
Your time is coming. Don’t give up. Don’t force it. The unique you will soon be revealed to the world.
Be joyful in hope. It’s almost time.
Share this message with someone who needs encouragement today. Let’s champion one another on and inspire one another to trust in God’s timing knowing that hidden inside each of us is something so beautiful that the world needs to be revealed.
