The Day of the Bloom

"The desert and the parched land will be glad;
    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
    the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,    the splendor of our God."
Isaiah 35:1&2

I woke up this morning praying. I prayed that this would be the day of breakthrough. As I thought about it, I was reminded of this passage of scripture. This is where the prophet Isaiah speaks of the joy of the redeemed. It is a wonderful and uplifting passage. I have felt in my spirit for some time that this is a year of breakthrough for many Christians and churches. I know that this is true for me as well. This morning, I heard the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit say, "This is the day of the bloom."
    Many people have been living in dry times. It has seemed as if the heat and cruelty of the desert has overwhelmed some. In these times, it is easy to lose focus. It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that nothing will ever change. But the truth of God's Word is still relevant. God can either move us from the desert, or cause the desert to bloom around us. Today, I believe the desert is beginning to bloom. What has been dry, will become joyful and life-giving. What has been cruel, will become welcoming. What has been barren, will become plentiful. This is God's plan and the season of change is upon us. 
    It is not for our pleasure alone, it is for the salvation of all, that the bloom is upon us. God wants to reveal his glory upon the earth. He wants to display his splendor before men. As the desert blooms, the glory of the Lord is revealed in us. We will flourish as we live in the beauty and life of God's holiness. If this sounds beyond what you have imagined is possible, understand that this is simply the fulfillment of Ephesians 3:20&21 that tells us: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen." The desert bloom is the revelation of God's glory. 
    I am going to take hold of this truth today. God is going to cause the desert to bloom and he is going to reveal his glory in great and mighty ways. Let's be encouraged by this. All who are depending on Christ, all who are following the direction of the Holy Spirit, should be blessed today to know that God is true to his Word. If you are living in a desert, expect the bloom. Though you don't see it right now, know that the seeds are there and the watering of God's Word and your faith will bring the bloom. This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice. We see the first fruits of the bloom. It's happening, even now!