Let faith fill your heart
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
— Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).
Like always, the first robin sighting and the blustery winds and rain have signaled that spring has arrived. Although I can see a few signs of spring’s presence, the half barren trees tell me winter seems to be dragging its feet in leaving.
The trees appear lifeless as they collect sap over the cold winter season to help them blossom when spring arrives. Then, at just the right time, when the sunlight hits them, tiny buds protrude followed by green leaves. Multi -colored flowers start to push their way through the ground as it is softened by the spring rain. God has planned the precise way and time to let spring come forth.
The expectancy of spring is a wonderful example of the way the spirit of God moves in our lives. Sometimes we go through a long, dull season of what we may call winter. During this time, our lives may seem mundane or dreary while we wait for the fulfillment of our prayers and desires.
While we are waiting for a change to take place, just as the sap collects in the trees over the winter months, attitudes build up in our hearts. Sometimes we collect bitterness, while other times it may be envy, fear or negativity. Our souls may feel defeat creeping in as the cloudy skies fog our spiritual vision.
God wants us to build trust in him and Jesus our savior, and collect faith, hope and love. He wants our hearts to fill with expectancy that he will come to our aid. At the right time, just as the sunshine hits the tree branches and spring shows forth, the expectancy in our hearts will spring forth newness in our lives.
Having faith means we can’t see with our eyes what we are hoping for; it’s still forming in our hearts. But, just as we know spring is on its way, if we strive to keep our faith alive, it will produce the things we were hoping for in our hearts.
Spring is a time for expectancy. As we wait for the refreshment spring’s beauty brings, let us ask God to fill our hearts with anticipation and expect good things to take place.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.