Receive the Greatest Gift
When you enter the land and plant any kind of fruit tree, regard its fruit as forbidden. For three years you are to consider it forbidden; it must not be eaten. In the fourth year all its fruit will be holy, an offering of praise to the Lord. But in the fifth year you may eat its fruit. In this way your harvest will be increased. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:23-25
Do you believe the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)? I do! Here’s my recent proof, I am reading Leviticus in the Old Testament, I find application to my life, PROOF. Reading Leviticus 19 a few weeks ago I wrote this in the margin of my Bible, “Is this my promise Lord? This is my 5th year”. I am writing this post on March 9, 2014 The day after the anniversary of James’ homecoming. He was killed on his motorcycle traveling to work on March 8, 2009, 5 years ago. I have seen much “fruit” in these years of suffering and grief but it seems like I can’t seem to “eat it” and move forward. If I am honest, I will admit that I have been tempted many times to “eat the fruit” but I knew it was not time and not God’s plan for me with that person. I am talking in circles but I am sure you know where I am going with this. Men. I could “justify” any one of them in my life but I knew it was not God’s perfect will for me, so I walked away. There is a bigger purpose in my “dating life” than finding a husband…LEGACY.
When the calendar year comes to a close, for the past ten years, I have prayed, “Lord, give me one word to focus on for the upcoming year.” This is not a phrase or even a verse, but one word. Every year He has been faithful to give me a word to focus on. This year the word He gave me was legacy. I knew it had to do with Avery but wasn’t sure how or what. As the year progresses He directs me to the meaning and purpose of this focus for me.
Today was a confirmation of that word. Let me paint the picture. Avery is in Peru on a medical missions trip. She returns today and I am super excited to hear all the details but I already know at the same time. God showed me through my prayers for her this week that He would show her how He has gifted her in the area of compassion to serve in the medical field. The legacy of her dad’s heart to help those in physical distress. But for Avery it will be more, she has the gift of not only helping people physically but spiritually and eternally as well. I am watching the legacy of James in her life.
As she walks through a season of relationships similar to mine, she is standing firm and not settling for less than God’s best for a potential husband as well. This isn’t just translated to my own daughter, I have several “spiritual daughters” as well. Those that I have loved, discipled, mentored and prayed for over the years of my teaching and coaching. It is just like the Lord to bless me with a verse that one of them (Christine) sent me this morning, “…for the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5, legacy.
I believe the one thing that those who suffer and grieve have in common is that we find comfort when others remember our loved one and we feel as though we are not alone in that suffering. Today, I am encouraged to know that the Lord is with me, He has not forgotten me and although I haven’t been able to “eat the fruit” His promise is that I will soon. In fact, I believe I just got a bite through Avery’s life and Christine’s life.
I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. Psalm 52:9