Flourish In Christ: 7-Day DevotionalShembull

What picture do you envision when you read Jeremiah 17:8? My initial thoughts are full of colorful flowers in bloom under sunny, blue skies, large trees flourishing near a beautiful, peaceful stream. Everything about this picture is perfect, but among the beauty is the heat and drought, the difficulties of life. 

What does it look like for a person to flourish amongst the trials and pain life brings? 

A few years back, someone I work with lost his son in an automobile accident. Josh was 19 and about to start college. He wanted to be a veterinarian. I had never met him but attended the visitation at a local funeral home to support my coworker and pray for his family. I waited in line for 45 minutes. I saw person after person reach the family and fall apart, trying to comfort the father and mother standing there. The feeling of heartbreak from everyone filled the room. I saw, heard, and felt the evidence of beautiful faith. My coworker/friend was comforting those who came trying to provide comfort to him. I listened to the words “I know he is in heaven” over and over. He told everyone that his son was saved. He had accepted Christ and was sure to see his son again in heaven. He was bold. He was certain. In the midst of great sadness, he was witnessing. It was overwhelming! When I reached him, I told him that he was planting and growing seeds for Christ. This was the single, most vivid experience I’ve had in seeing someone’s strong, solid faith on display in a way that compares to bright light in complete darkness. Only through God is this peace and strength possible.

Later, I gave him a card at work devoting continued prayers and shared this Jeremiah 17:8 verse. With deep roots in the foundation of Christ, even in suffering, I saw him flourish. I’ve prayed for his family many times over the last few years. 

When this devotion opportunity came, I kept thinking about this experience and verse. I nearly missed my coworker that day when I went to ask him about sharing this experience. I was a little emotional asking, but he approved. Then, he said, “You know, it’s special that you ask today because today is Josh’s birthday.” 

Our roots should be deeply planted in a strong relationship with God, so we don’t just endure, but flourish even in the most challenging times. 

What are some roots that you can plant today, that will help you in times of trouble?