The Spirit Knows Better

Recently I ventured out in a “glorified school bus”, as my son described it, through swamps, marsh and endless land inhabited by various creatures.  I, being quite the worrisome little individual, experienced a roller coaster of emotions on this journey.  The tour led through high waters, across acres of land filled with countless creatures.  My eyes and ears could not keep up. 

We met up with the pasture filled with cattle.  The tour guide lured the animals to the bus with corn.  The cattle displayed much beauty with various color schemes for their hides.  Interesting fact:  Cattle reproduce throughout the year, one bull to several cows, all on their own in the pasture.  The young rely on their mom to care for all needs until becoming strong enough to fend for self.  Generation after generation come through the pasture land fulfilling the same purpose.  Each focus on the goal set before them and survive daily while enjoying the land provided. 

Continuing along the path, we met up with Osceola.  Osceola lives in an enclosure.  She receives food once daily and hundreds of visitors come to say hello.  She roams the enclosure throughout the day, finding shade to cool from the high heat of Florida.  She enjoys life alone. 

We discovered various plants, trees and growth, learning more than I can remember.  One fern caught our eye while walking the land at our midway stop.  It is the resurrection fern which lives along the bark of trees.  Water replenishes the fern to display a beautiful green growth along the bark.  In droughts, the fern shrivels to a gray clump of leaves.  Once water returns to the plant, it comes back to life and beauty is revealed. 

The tour included alligators, sandhill cranes, whistling ducks, egrets, quarter horses, etc.  The tour traveled through a ford, filling the bus with water up to the third step and along land of various elevations.  We saw vegetation of all kinds.  I learned much and realized how wildlife really understand purpose in life.  I learned vegetation grows in proper conditions but can be restored even if death creeps in the season. 

See, each animal lives according to the plan and purpose of their kind.  The cattle focus on the daily grind of grazing the land, reproducing when the time comes and caring for their young.  Osceola remains alone, content in the enclosure and surviving the heat with times of rest.  A resurrection fern waits alongside a tree bark knowing water will come to restore life; yet, until water comes, it remains clinging tightly to the tree for survival.  The examples could continue forever.  At creation, creatures, vegetation and humanity came with a purpose.  God looked at all serving the purpose planned and said, “It is very good.”

What happened?  What changed?  
Why such turmoil in this world? 
 Why evil among humanity?

Well, my dear friends, I believe we can take some lessons from wildlife and vegetation found throughout the world.  A panther does not work diligently each day to be an alligator.  A fern does not lay down and give up in drought; but, waits and knows this too shall pass.  Cattle do not condemn themselves for living in simplicity of caring for young and grazing land. 

Sin consumes humanity, changes perspective, darkens peace and challenges our spirit daily.  The flesh desires contentment.  The flesh seeks the world.  The spirit knows better.

     

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.  Romans 8:13

Stop comparing!  We cannot be anyone other than who God created.  Stand firm in the importance God planned for your life.  He wants YOU, not a fake, glorified version of you. 

Refuse to quit!  In this evil world sin will cause trouble, trials and tribulation beyond what the flesh can handle.  Thankfully, we have a Creator yearning to live within us daily to overcome anything blocking our path.  His power wins every time.

Avoid condemnation!  You were placed, chosen and created for a purpose.  One assignment under your name.  Your existence matters to God and His Kingdom.  That alone should maintain your daily motivation.  Every small step, every beautiful word and every place you are involved matters!  You matter!

Enjoy this journey by focusing on your path.  Know that God guides.  His spirit is within you.  Trust Him. 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig