Job 14:7 - Shoot Without Ceasing

Step 1: Pray. Select.

As I settle into a quiet spot to start my prayer practice today, I can’t help but have a heavy heart. Recently, I have been going through a series of attacks on my health, which I know so many people are going through, and I am reminded how important it is to have faith in all situations.

Instead of getting angry, though I am in slight anguish, I am leaning in more than ever to God. If there is any chance for my Father to take this cup from me, I would welcome it. However, if I remain in a season of trial, thy will be done.

The Holy Spirit is placing the Book Of Job in my path today. Specifically, Job 14:7. Let's begin our journey here today, friends.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

Job 14:7 - “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease.

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.

• Jennifer, there is hope, its tender shoots will not cease.

If you are doing this alongside me today, make sure you add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.

Step 4: Visualize

As I close my eyes and meditate on the words of the sentence that the Holy Spirit would like me to focus on today, the word “shoot” especially stands out to me.

Recently, my husband told me that I like bamboo. They germinate in the ground for quite some time, firming their roots, and one day, as if overnight, they shoot up to their fullest potential. To the naked eye, it seems like this happens suddenly and out of nowhere. But it will seem long overdue to those who loved, nurtured, and watered the seeds since they have been working and waiting for the seeds to get strong enough to sprout up to the bamboo’s full height.

I think about bamboo and the many layers it leaves behind to climb and withstand the weather and elements from incredible heights. Every layer it sheds allows it to bend and sway through life’s elements.

In my vision, the many circles or lines left as visual reminders to tell you about each layer's journey that had to open and eventually sprout the next layer to get it to where it is today come to mind.

The Holy Spirit tells me there is a message within the bamboo that is likened to the story of Job. Job lost many layers to his life; his wealth, health, and ten children. The pain he endured was unimaginable. However, he did not turn from God. Instead, he turned to God. Until one day, when he prayed for his friends and interceded on their behalf, carrying out a burnt offering as commanded by God, in his most weakened state after a long battle, he was restored with twice the blessings and riches he had previously. This reminds me of crucifixion and how Jesus carried out the most horrific abuse to save us. And don’t forget, Jesus' walk to Calvary and carrying the cross he would be crucified upon was after a forty-day fast, mind you.

While it is true Job and Jesus were blessed with riches beyond measure after their testing and sacrifice, we need to understand and remind ourselves while in the middle of our pain to hold onto our Father, for the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. Friends, in short, the mantle is very heavy; however, if you keep your faith, you will come forth as pure gold.

If you are fighting a battle of any sort, KNOW that God sees you and will deliver you according to his word and will. Remember, friends, weapons may form, but they shall not prosper!

I have a question for the Holy Spirit, so I move to Step 5.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The question that came to mind is:

• Holy Spirit, what words do I need to speak to help me heal in my distress?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

“You simply need to look for God within the anguish. He is there, so you must find and grab hold of him. You must have faith. He is there. Job mentions in Chapter 13:24 that the LORD is hiding his face. Again, he is not hidden. It is like the song says, “ The LORD bless you and keep you, make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.” Keep singing his praise through the storms. Make his face shine upon you. You are almost to dry land. But you must show you are ready to sprout up like bamboo. Tall and sturdy, ready to withstand the elements. You are close, so keep following his instructions no matter the cost. He will bless you tenfold for your sacrifice. He will show you the way when the time is right. For now, hold tight to his word and keep his statutes. He is with you as he was with Moses. As he was with Joshua. Do not be afraid. Go forward and spread the good news in the midst of your affliction, and let those who have ears hear and those who have eyes see. Recite Ephesians 1:18 -  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. This, too, shall pass. You are almost there. KNOW there is HOPE to which he has called you.”

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Heavenly Father, through your son Jesus. I come to you to help me through my current afflictions. I will hold on to hope, knowing you have blessings waiting on the other side of my infirmities. Help me continue to pray over others even though I may be weak, for I am strong in you.

Please keep me safe, and I fully surrender to your will over my life. I will stand firm in your promises to live a blessed life of abundance. I trust the time I need to heal will pass, and you will restore anything the locusts have eaten.

I pray this in the name of your mighty son, Jesus, and seal this prayer with the blood - AMEN!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we want to see how God is working in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.

Conclusion:

Friends, if you are afflicted or feel like you are having a Job season, hold onto your hope. Know the LORD is coming with a blessing so big you won’t have room enough to receive.

Make sure you open the eyes of your heart so you can see him during your trial. Keep seeking him, chase after him, and don’t let go of his goodness, knowing he will deliver you from anything you are facing.

Go forward today victorious, friends. For the battle is already won through Christ Jesus.

See you soon!