Leading The Way - Week of May 27
May 27, 2024
Lessons from the Garden
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
When God created humanity, there was perfect contentment. Adam and Eve lived in paradise, a place of complete peace and protection. When we consider the nature of the Garden of Eden, we gain three insights into the contentment that God desires for His people.
Exquisite beauty. As God created every part of the universe, He pronounced it “good.” But He unleashed the full extent of His creative power when He designed a garden home for Adam and Eve. For their enjoyment, He poured out beauty beyond comprehension.
Abundant provision. The beauty of the Garden of Eden was also functional. The trees were pleasing to the eye but also good for food. As part of God’s plan of provision, He assigned Adam the job of maintaining the garden.
Before the fall, Adam and Eve didn’t just lounge around all day. “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). They had important work to do, but they were working inside the garden, in God’s presence, and that made all the difference. They found fulfillment in the satisfying work that God gave them.
Complete protection. The garden’s ability to protect its occupants demonstrates a third element of contentment. God sheltered Adam and Eve, guarding them from all danger. Within the garden’s walls, Adam and Eve lived in an atmosphere of sweet harmony with each other and with God.
This same God longs to provide for you, protect you, and fellowship with you today. When you take time to talk with God, He will talk with you. You can know God’s heart by reading His Word. And when you fellowship with Him, you have His divine protection.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your everlasting love and protection. I know that You want me to rest in You, to develop an ever-deepening relationship with You. Show me how I can draw closer to You through Your Word. I long for Your fellowship, and I ask for Your protection. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Garden vs. the City, Part 1: LISTEN NOW
What awaits the believer after this life? And how does our eternal future impact our lives today? In his new book Heaven Awaits, Dr. Michael Youssef dispels misconceptions about the believer’s eternal home and articulates the blessings, majesty, and reality of heaven as displayed in Scripture. As you dig into God’s promises for your future in Christ, you’ll be lifted up and empowered to persevere today with joy in your hope that will never disappoint. Order your copy today for your gift of any amount! *Offer valid in US, UK, and Canada through May 31, 2024.
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Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
