A Tender Green Shoot

My Servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. Isa 53:2 NLT

I must admit, I am not much of a gardener, nor does this city girl know much about farm life, so I often thought there must be some secret gardening tip I wasn’t aware of to understand this verse from Isaiah 53 - how can a root grow out of dry ground? Even if you used a ton of Miracle Gro, if would take at least a few drops of water before a tender green shoot could have any hope of sprouting, wouldn’t it?!

Over time, I realized that Isaiah 53:2 was pointing to the reality that Jesus grew up in a natural environment that was like dry ground – it was not sufficient to meet His needs. But, the spiritual environment Jesus grew in was more than sufficient to meet His every need. Being in God’s Presence is what caused Jesus to sprout up like a tender green shoot despite the “dryness” around Him!!

Are there areas in your life where you feel the environment around you is “dry ground” and not meeting your needs?

• Work
• Marriage
• Family relationships
• Friendships 

Dissatisfaction in any of these areas reminds us that we were never meant to find fulfillment in them in the first place. Ultimately, the living water our spirit is really thirsting for can only be found in the wellspring of God’s Presence. Only the LORD can produce spiritual growth in us that far outweighs the lack of “supply” that exists in our natural environment.

Dear friend, if there is an area in your life that is leaving you unsatisfied, press in to the LORD. He is your supply, and He will provide what He knows you need, to achieve the purposes for which He has called you!

Please remember to pray for the many people who come to CCS each day in need of understanding this truth in their lives. And pray for our counsellors - to follow the Spirit of God’s leading in each and every counseling session. We are so grateful for your prayer support and financial giving to the LORD’s work at Christian Counseling Services! We couldn’t do this work without you!

Wishing you a joyous spring season! Christ is Risen!
- Heather Tomes