The LORD heard Elijah's prayer, and the life of the child returned, and he came back to life! (I Kings 17:22, NLT).
The Oregon Coast Range roads, after a powerful December storm, were closed due to downed trees, high water, rock and mud slides. The power of the storm's devastation and destruction remains evident by the hundreds of trees strewn along the sides of the road. Eventually, the downed and damaged trees will be put to use as loggers make their way through the Coast Range.
The scene has reminded me that restoration is a work-in-process but always possible. Life as it is from our perspective can seem hopeless in times of devastation and destruction. The prophet Isaiah wrote to the exiled people who had experienced their own 9/11 experience:
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory (Isaiah 61:3, NLT).Life as it is . . . becomes a transforming process through the power of God:
Beauty for ashes . . .
Joy instead of mourning . . .
Praise instead of despair . . .
For the beloved of God are created to be like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.
II Kings 17 records the prophet Elijah, the widow, and the young boy connecting to the power and presence of God through prayer. Death was exchanged for life.
What does this mean to you and I?What I do know is that God gives life. When we experience devastation and destruction, God will breathe life back into us. Yes, it is a process . . . but . . . when we seek God . . . there will be a day that life as it is . . . will be exchanged for something more . . . and there will be beauty, joy, and praise with a new strength and grace.
Refuse to succumb to life as it is in the midst of devastation and destruction .
Pray.
Seek God.
Willingly go through the transformation process to become strong and graceful.
Rejoice . . . for life as it is . . . through the power and presence of God.
Learning with to you to see beyond life as it is . . .
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
