Being Held Back
- Lisa Livezey
- Jun 26
- 1 min read
They traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian territory because they had been prevented by the holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia. – Acts 16:6 NAB
Look closely at this azalea bonsai tree. Several barely-visible lines restrain its branches, preventing them from growing their own way.
Bonsai trees are regular, normal plants which have been specially trained with continuous care for decades, causing them to be display-worthy and gazed upon with wonder.
The Master cultivator has a beautiful plan that may involve holding us back from where we wish to go. Committing our growing selves to Him takes trust and belief that He will do His work in and through us in unique and beautiful ways.
Prayer
God of growth, I trust in You. Help me to be patient and faithful when I'm feeling restrained.
Quote
Let my future be as God wants it. I leave it in the hands of Him who cannot operate but for the good of all. And this is enough to make me happy.
//Blessed Giovanni B. Mazzucconi (1826-1855)
Thought
The end result may look very different from what we envisioned, but beautiful nonetheless.
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