Christian Writers Circle

Power from Morning Light
by Brenda D. Flowers

Several weeks before Christmas, I bought two Amaryllis bulbs at our local Trader Joe’s. My main reason for buying them was to do a science experiment with my three grandsons. I planned on placing one of the bulbs near the front window so it would receive the morning light and the other would be placed near the sliding door where it would receive indirect afternoon light. Together, the boys and I would discover which setting was best for the bulb to grow to its fullest potential.

When I got home with the bulbs, I asked my grandsons to consider which place would be best for the bulbs to grow and to predict which one would grow faster, taller, and bloom first. We each made our prediction or hypothesis statement.

Most of us predicted the one receiving the morning light would grow the best. I think the boys were disappointed that it would take several days before they would see any signs of life.

The boys lost interest in the Amaryllis experiment during the waiting period. (The wait seemed long to me too, but I’m sure it seemed even longer to them.)

 I can assure you, though, when the first sign of new life appeared, it was well worth the wait.

It was such fun seeing my grandsons’ eyes of wonder as they discovered the stems popping out of the bulbs. After that day, with their interest restored, they checked regularly (even without my prompting) to see which one grew taller and to see if their prediction was correct.

As the stems grew taller, we had fun measuring them to compare the heights. After several weeks, we looked with awe when the flowers bloomed. Their blooming was extra special since it was near the time of our Christmas celebrations.

This year, we are going to be exploring the topic of power in our blog posts on this site. I can honestly say I am feeling childlike excitement about what God is going to show us. Like the boys, however, I’m having a hard time waiting.

I feel like I am beginning a treasure hunt in 2021. I hope you will come along with me on this journey to discover what God has to say in His Word.

For this first post, I was praying and seeking God’s guidance specifically on what to write related to the topic of power.

This thought came to me:  Share what you learned from the amaryllis experiment.

When we ask Jesus to be our Savior and Lord, believing God is who He says He is, we become new creatures in Christ. Like the Amaryllis bulb, we are enveloped in protection deep inside and we are full of the power of God to become who He has created us to be. His full potential for us is dormant, waiting to grow and bloom.

As immature Christians, we may not appear to have changed or to be growing spiritually. Yet, we are who God says we are just as the Amaryllis is fully an Amaryllis in that bulb form.

The power for us to grow and mature, blooming into who God has made us to be, comes from both inside and outside. Like the bulb, we need light to grow, sunlight…yes,  but also “Son-light.” God’s creative life-giving power and the power for us to give Him glory come from God’s Spirit, our faith and our position in and near Him, abiding. Spiritual growth takes time.

Does the morning light matter for us?

It seemed to matter for the amaryllis. At least that was the conclusion from our experiment.

Searching scriptures, it does seem that the morning “light” of abiding, may be a factor in helping us to grow spiritually. Is it possible that by starting our day with God and in His word, we will gain greater strength to reach our destiny? 

By abiding more in His morning light will we “bloom” for Him in 2021, giving Him the glory?

Each morning in 2021, let’s meditate on God’s word, seeking His powerful revelation and direction. May we “bloom”  together this year and in turn may there be plants springing up everywhere. (Isaiah 61: 11b NLT)

Psalm 143: 8 (NIV)
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you, show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Thank you, God, for the power You are giving us to “bloom” in Your Light and Life in 2021. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen