I was hiking a trail on the hills above our home when I came across a rare flower in full bloom. The flower was from the lily family of plants called the Gentner’s Fritillaria. This little lily only grows in a microclimate found in Southern Oregon. God was very specific when He created this plant and placed it in this small part of the world.
A group of amateur botanists was also out that day on a power hike through these mountains. A professional botanist from a local university was leading the group. He was clearly frustrated and determined when we met on the trail, stopping to ask me if I had seen any Fritillaria.
They had just hiked the same path I was on, where I had seen several of the tiny lilies. I could see that the pace of their hike led them to focus more on where to place their feet on the rocky trail than on their surroundings. Their misdirected focus kept them from discovering this little, orange beauty blooming on the forest floor. Unless we are attentive and intentional, the lily is not easy to find.
A rare Fritillaria blooming in just the right climate and in the right season displays God’s beauty and design. Creation mirrors the invisible realm. God works in cycles and seasons across time. He has specific times and places to unveil His purposes to each generation. He desires to reveal deep, secret things, rare treasures of great value.
My desire is to understand the times and seasons, personally and corporately in the Church. Wisdom and understanding are revealed through God’s word, and our part is to pay attention and search Him out. What has He said through the prophets in ages past? What is He saying now to the Church? What is my participation in His revelation? God is sovereign, yet He chose to partner with us to carry out His will.
While meditating on the Word of God that was given to the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel realized it was time for Israel to be freed from captivity. Needing an answer from God, Daniel turned to Him in earnest prayer, with fasting and repentance. Giving his full attention, he poured out his heart, saying: You never waver in your covenant commitment—you do what you say—you never give up on those who love you. (See Daniel 9: 1-19).
What the prophets prophesied, God had sovereignly decided. He set the place and the time for fulfillment. He assembled the right people and circumstances needed to deliver on His word. He brought revelatory understanding to the one who would intercede for His will to be accomplished.
We need to slow down in our busy lives and give our attention to the Lord. His word will bloom in the right climate and season. Then we will see what is hidden in plain sight. “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known” (Luke 12:2).
I try to go out every morning and say good morning to God and watch the beautiful sunrise He gives us. I find the beauty He provides all around me everywhere I go all day long. Just imagine what it was like before the fall of man.