Making Room for God

Guest post by Cathy Baker

"Enlarge the place of your tent; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; Lengthen your cords And strengthen your pegs." Isaiah 54:2

With plans drawn and the perfect spot chosen, I began planting shrubbery that would one day enclose a secret garden for my grandchildren.

I dug through layers of dirt, but before dropping my plant in its new home, I measured the diameter of the hole...and for good reason. You see, I've learned the hard way that if I dig a hole just large enough to set the plant in, the roots will more than likely continue growing in a circular fashion, becoming root bound, and eventually strangling itself to death. 

However, if I take the time to dig the hole two to three times larger than the pot size and add nutrients (Natures Helper from Home Depot is my favorite) I am doing so in anticipation of having a stronger, healthier plant. Preparation is the key!

In the same way, if we are anticipating God to work in and through us for His glory, we must make room for Him by enlarging the place of our tents. This kind of preparation begins with prayer but it also involves a steadfast willingness to stay alert to those things which can quietly strangle His power from our lives—busyness, sin, bitterness, unforgiveness, hobbies, and dare I say, ministry/church activities?

When I find inadequate "holes" being dug in preparation of God's work in my life, I know my anticipation is lacking and His power is being strangled.

We serve a BIG God. We love a BIG God. And we live for a BIG God.

Are you anticipating a great and mighty work to be accomplished in and through your life for God's glory?

I thought so. Hand me a shovel and let's get digging!



Cathy Baker is an award-winning poet who delights in observing God at work in the nuances of life, and sharing those observations through writing, journaling, and blogging. An experienced Bible teacher, Cathy leads a community Bible study for women. She and her husband Brian live in South Carolina with their answer to the empty-nest syndrome—a pampered pooch named Rupert. Visit Cathy’s blog at www.cathybaker.org.