Text: Psalm 66:8-15
Memory verse:
“So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.” (Luke 1:80).
The Chinese bamboo tree has a unique growth pattern. Even with water, sunlight, and manures, the tree doesn’t experience any visible difference in its growth, and it remains externally stunted for the first four years. Instead, it uses all its energy to develop an invisible extensive root system. Despite it, the farmer continues to tend the tree. However, in an astonishing turn of events, the fifth year marks a period of sudden and rapid growth for the bamboo tree. Thus, within six weeks, it shoots up to an impressive height of up to 80 feet! What a manifestation!
According to our memory text, John the Baptist was in the wilderness until he was thirty years old. The wilderness is regarded as a desolate, dry, abandoned, and uninhabited place. It symbolizes a place of obscurity, silence, trials, and temptations. Jesus was also there. “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matt 4:1).
Despite being in the wilderness, John continued to grow but downward and invisibly. Though he grew strong in the spirit, he didn’t look like it outside. He was stunted externally but developing internally. Likewise, Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness was a period of physical starvation but a period of infusion of strength in the preparation for a glorious future.
After the wilderness season, John was manifested to Israel, that is, revealed. Also, after forty days in the wilderness, Jesus was manifested to the world (Luke 4:14).
David said, “You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.” (Psa 66:12). After all the humiliation, tears, abandonment and difficulties, they entered into a new season – the land of rich fulfillment, a place of great abundance, a place of refreshment, a place of safety, a well watered place and a spacious place.
Friends and to someone who is reading this devotional, the Lord said, “Even though you have remained in the same position for so long, your years of waiting, sowing in tears and spiritual growth are not in vain. As a result of your condition, you have been despised and rejected, but the Lord has turned His searchlight on you. Your years of tears are over. Your season of manifestation has come. News of your breakthrough will spread everywhere”. Hallelujah!
Prayer points
1. Father. I receive Your Word, and I thank You that my period of waiting is not in vain, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, let my manifestation be seen by all in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. After my wilderness experience comes my manifestation.
2. God has spoken, and I receive and believe that my season of manifestation is here.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng