Often, life can be a reminder of an ocean; all it possesses and all of its surroundings. Within the ocean various forms of life are busy at work and play. An ongoing cycle of life swims within the whole body of water. Deep below and to the surface, life runs far and wide. The water too operates in dynamics, as it dances in slow waves of motion, building to overwhelming heights, sometimes consuming everything within reach.
Life beyond is much the same. Every creature is breathing air. Evey person is living for a purpose. We are in constant cycles in numerous areas of life. Some people are simply attempting to swim from where they are to the next place. Throughout life winds often come and waters gets rough. Waves can rise and crash upon the shore, rain can fall vigorously and cause all that is around to be a blur and can even leave what seems to be nothing but destruction. Once the wind and rain ceases, it is easy to see that some things were washed away, yet some things appear that were not there before.
This analogy reminds me of a word and its definition; a word I once studied when searching for the Biblical reference: Remnant. What is unique about the word, remnant? A lot of people think of a remnant as being a scrap of something, a left-over, or generally put, remains. While this is true, I read one definition that states a remnant as being what is left after a catastrophe. So, is this always a negative thing? Perhaps the proceeding occurrence which leaves remnants are often negative, but the remnants of said occurrence(s) do not always have to be. Sometimes the most precious findings are those that survive the consuming, crashing waves. Even more beautiful are stones and shells found after a time spent of being buried in pressing sand.
Another example of 'remnants' that comes to my mind is a beautiful, unique quilt. Have you ever seen a quilt that is put together by fabric scraps ... remnants? Some of these quilts are referred to as patchwork quilts. Those are some of the most beautiful quilts ever made. We do not always know how the scraps of fabric became scraps, but they were still useful when joined with other remains; each remain used to create a beautiful, useful work of art which brings warmth and comfort.
In scripture, we learn that God uses remnants. He uses special circumstances. Joel 2:32 stands out to me. "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call." One needs to study in full context to grasp the fullness of the word, but this serves as one of many examples that God will use those who remain in Him. Remain steadfast in faith through the storms. Trust God even when moved by discomforting means. For if you continue to praise Him through the wind, rain, and consuming waves, you will be protected and revealed in His likeness... something purposeful and beautiful. You will find that He brings restoration, restoring life that experienced loss. "And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you." Joel 2:25
We may not understand everything that happens in life, but the revelation of His steadfast love, and His plan for those who look to Him through it all, will be worth riding out the storms. If you feel misplaced, or even buried as the remains of a catastrophe, just rest in knowing that there is a purpose - or a 'creating something good out of what the enemy meant for evil' (Genisis 50:20). You see, God's love is not a mystery, even when certain ongoings in life seem to be. Hold fast. From a remnant, amazing things can be created.
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