Renewed Like a Selaginella

by Heather Tietz

But those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

The Selaginella Lepidophylla is a plant native to the Americas.

Unlike most botanicals, this one can do something few others can. It can wait. That is, it can wait years for water. Though it turns black, dry, and utterly dead looking, within hours of being watered, this Resurrection Plant, as it’s called, turns green. It uncurls its leaves like a colossal bloom.

Waiting for God’s timing is written all over the stories of the Bible. Noah waited a year through rain and flood waters. Old Abraham waited twenty-five years for his promised child. Joseph waited for justice in prison. Queen Esther waited for the Jewish people to be rescued from slaughter.

Moses’ mother waited while her baby floated down the Nile. David spent years in hiding waiting to become king. Daniel waited in a lion’s den for God’s rescue.

Many of our Bible heroes waited while their situations seemed black, dry and utterly dead. But then…God!

Noah was given a renewed earth. Abraham enjoyed a son in his old age. Joseph was awarded Egypt’s highest honor. Esther celebrated justice. Moses’ mother watched royalty adopt her son. David became the most beloved human king in Bible history. Daniel was restored to his honored position as His God’s name was proclaimed throughout Babylon.

When God is involved, waiting is a hopeful place. On the other side of waiting is God’s perfect plan – justice, honor, joy, renewal.

Pray

Dear Loving God,
Help me wait for the bright future You prepared for me.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.