I’m no gardener. The surest way to kill your flowers or vegetable plants is to ask me to care for them. So I marvel at those who are gifted at working with all things green and growing. Some gardeners have a practice (whether it is superstition or has merit, I can’t say) of talking to their plants. They’ll lean over their azaleas, daffodils, or young sprouts and whisper, chat . . . even sing. They insist that their words spur growth.
The Bible regularly presents God as one whose words bring things to life. In Genesis, humanity’s early history is ugly. Repeated human rebellion leads to the desolate admission that Abram and Sarai have no children. Sarai is barren. Humanity, as a result of their attempts to make life on their own, is desolate.
As Walter Brueggemann put it, “This family (and with it the whole family of Genesis 1–11) has played out its future and has nowhere else to go. Barrenness is the way of human history. It is an effective metaphor for hopelessness. There is no foreseeable future. There is no human power to invent a future.”
Then, the story turns with these simple words: “The Lord . . . said . . .” (Genesis 12:1). God spoke into the barrenness and chaos. It was as if He said, You’ve done your best, and this is where it has gotten you—now step aside.
Still early in the Genesis story, these words remind us of another time God spoke into darkness and chaos. Before God began to create, the “earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters.” Into nothing, “God said . . . ”
God spoke and light erupted, vegetation blossomed, humans appeared. This is still what happens whenever God speaks.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 41:37-57
More:
Read Mark 5:35-43. How did most of the people respond to Jesus’ words? How did Jairus’ daughter respond to Jesus’ words?
Next:
What is the barren place in your life right now? What do you sense God is speaking into that place?
jstabel on January 25, 2012 at 5:03 am
Just what I need now…that God will speak and change my current situation.
winn collier on January 25, 2012 at 9:09 am
God does not always change our situation, but he will always, if we are open to it, change us. Grace for you in these difficult days.
sowharvest on January 25, 2012 at 11:23 am
Winn, I believe that changing our perspective and perception is still changing our situation– because our outlook is different. So GOD changes situations which I believe always involves changing us from in-ward to HIM- ward. Prasie be to GOD. HIs word[spoken to our hearts and minds] never fail. Is. 55:1-11.
winn collier on January 25, 2012 at 11:51 am
that’s fine, sowharvest. I don’t think I disagree with that. When most of think of God changing our situation, though, we’re assuming God is changing the external realities, the hardships, the pain — which God may or may not do.
PHIL on January 25, 2012 at 1:21 pm
You are both right. God causes all things to work together for our good as we diligently seek Him. I believe that in terms of priority, God’s focus is transforming us through our mind … then the emotions and willingness follow … His purpose has always been our “soul or heart” transformation. So, He works in the Power of the Holy Spirit in us, with us, and through us … for our growiing in grace and in knowledge … and by our discovery and application of our endowed talents to serve and share the Good News. Of course, He may also alter the external situation such as our winning the favors of people who can help us.
legacy07 on January 25, 2012 at 3:38 pm
“Then, the story turns with these simple words: “The Lord . . . said . . .” (Genesis 12:1). God spoke into the barrenness and chaos. It was as if He said, You’ve done your best, and this is where it has gotten you—now step aside.”
This seems to be the story of my life :p. I keep presenting my concerns and struggles to God, get impatient when He doesn’t “fix things” right away; then I take it back, only to make things worse and dig my hole a little bit deeper. Then I cry out to God again and I swear I can hear God say, “I *told* you to leave it to me.” Oh, when will I ever learn? Soon, I hope.
My favourite part of this scripture is that God takes it upon Himself. “I will make you into a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great…” It’s such a comfort to know that I don’t have to STRIVE or work myself to the bone to get something done (unless I’m going against His will; in which case, I *will* have to and I probably won’t be getting anywhere), I just have to release it to the Lord, be patient and obey.
winn collier on January 25, 2012 at 3:44 pm
I love that image of God taking something upon himself, God bearing the brunt.
daisymarygoldr on January 25, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Good one, Winn Collier; barrenness is an effective metaphor for hopelessness. As seen in the life of the Matriarchs, clearly God controls fertility. In the case of Sarah we are told “The Lord has prevented me from having children…” (Genesis 16:2).
Thankfully, this situation is not permanent. Although, this is not God’s will for our lives, He allows unfruitful season for a reason. When facing hopelessness, we must not lose hope. God has not forgotten us but will surely remember our plight and answer our prayers (Genesis 30:22). On our part, we need to be patient and wait for His perfect timing.
In Abraham’s life God used the waiting period to test and mold his character. And when the time was right, Abraham had that son with Sarah just as God had promised. Faith in the creative power of God’s word followed by works is the key to fruitfulness. God uses people who speak His truth into our lives— in order for the light and water of God’s Word to freely flow and make all barren places burst forth with life.
conmeo on January 25, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Thank you Lord for these people and the gifts You give them. A very dark day fir me. You have srengthened me to wait. I hope for answered prayer