what once was dead

We had planted two apple trees two springs ago. Last spring, they began the spring blooming and growing leaves, then we had a late frost.  The leaves died and left two dead looking sticks where we thought we would have young apple trees.  We looked at them this spring and figured they were dead.  We had bought a fig tree, so I dug up one of the apple tree remnants and planted the fig.  A few days later my husband called me out to the yard. We couldn't believe it. The apple tree still in the ground had put on leaves. I walked over to the field where I had tossed the one I dug up and sure enough, there were buds on it as well.  We replanted that tree, watered and fertilized it.  We may end up with two apple trees yet. 

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV

I realized something through all this.  Many times, we may give up  on something or even someone because we may not see life there; a dream that doesn't seem to be coming to fruition or a lost soul you have been praying over. We sometimes give up before God is actually done working. 

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 KJV

I remember an uncle of mine and his wife who were lost and deep in addiction. Many gave up and wrote them off. But there was still some whom never quit praying even when a change seemed impossible.  I will forever rejoice over the change that came in their lives.  Where sin and death once seemed to reign, Jesus stepped in and delivered and set free. Tears of joy now replace tears of pain. God sees the hearts that we cannot see.

We may have a vision or dream that we believe to be God given, yet face obstacles and struggles. It may seem like the dream is dying or being taken away.  We may want to give up pursuing this dream, this vision.  But God has purpose in the struggle. If we keep our faith and persevere in Him, we will see the birth and fulfillment of those plans and dreams He has given us. 

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:2 KJV

We cannot give up on what God has spoken to us.  We cannot assume death when He spoke life.  We cannot use just the natural eye sight when God sees deep into the heart and  knows what needs to be done. We can struggle and we can endure disappointments, but God spoke life over the situation and we can rest in Him.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
I Peter 1:3 NKJV

Just as Ezekiel looked on the dry bones, all He saw in the natural was dead, dry bones. But God said to prophesy and speak. God moved and brought life back. God restored life where no life appeared to be.  Do not give up in the hard times or when all seems lost.  God speaks life over the lost and dying, and over you. He has purpose and hope for you. He sees life where we may see only loss and despair. He brings back life in those situations that should cause our demise.  Keep hope alive. Praise God for the life He gives. What once was dead, lives again.