the potential of pregnant elephants

At a recent retreat for church planters we were each asked to share one word to describe our 'plant'. We chose 'pregnant'. Pregnant with potential. On reflection, if we'd been given two words, with a possible gestation period of 22 months we're probably have choosen 'pregnant elephant' - it may take a little longer to form, but I guess it just enlarges the potential?!



Having shared our 'one-word description' we all mingled, praying and sharing 'words' as we were prompted. Someone shared a chunk of Isaiah 61:4-10 with us. This is how The Message puts it:

'They'll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
You'll hire outsiders to herd your flocks
and foreigners to work your fields,
But you'll have the title "Priests of GOD,"
honoured as ministers of our God.
You'll feast on the bounty of nations,
you'll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble
and more than your share of contempt,
Your inheritance in the land will be doubled
and your joy go on forever.
"Because I, GOD, love fair dealing
and hate thievery and crime,
I'll pay your wages on time and in full,
and establish my eternal covenant with you.
Your descendants will become well-known all over.
Your children in foreign countries
Will be recognized at once
as the people I have blessed."
I will sing for joy in GOD,
explode in praise from deep in my soul!
He dressed me up in a suit of salvation,
he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo
and a bride a jeweled tiara.
For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers,
and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, GOD, brings righteousness into full bloom
and puts praise on display before the nations.'

Pregnancy may at times be uncomfortable, ultimately (I'm reliably informed!) it is pretty painful, but the birth of 'righteousness into full bloom' ought to be worth it!