“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
It had been a difficult time that year, and there had been those weeks when her heart was aching almost more than she could bear. She was not hurting for herself but for her child who was going through a painful time. One day as she sat at her window, she looked out and saw a rosebud on a bush that she was sure had died. Knowing how much she loved roses, the rosebush was there in the first place because it had been planted by her late husband. When she related this story to her child, he stated, “Don’t you know, Mom – only God knows when something no longer has a purpose.” She was convinced that the rose was sent by her husband through God. Now in a new year of growth, the rose bush has three buds on it this time – one for each of them.
In the opening lyrics of a song composed by Jeff and Sherri Easter, there is sadness about a rose bush when “the petals drooped and fell to the ground” as winter arrives. But then the uplifting realization, “I’d forgotten who had made it” followed by the refrain:
“Roses will bloom again,
Just wait and see
Don’t mourn what might have been
Only God knows how and when that
Roses will bloom again.”
While it may be true that rose blossoms can only be found in one season of the year, there is the love of God’s word that endures for all seasons. ”The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
Holding on to the hope of God’s word, a 23-year old recently accomplished something many thought he would never do. With the help of his fiancé, He walked across an Iowa college stage to receive his diploma. Four years ago, Chris Norton suffered a spinal cord injury from a football accident and was given a three per cent chance of walking again. In an interview on Good Morning America, he stated “I just had a feeling that God had a bigger plan for me.” He understands that without faith, family and friends, he would not have been able to make it through. “I would not change a thing. It has given me such a purpose in life to help others . . . I feel so blessed.” So in the midst of what many would term a tragedy, Norton echoes the words of Paul: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The new graduate has been encouraged to tell his story in a book entitled “The Power of Faith When Tragedy Strikes” which will be released later this summer.
Jesus challenged His disciples with these words: “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible” (Matthew 17:20). So make your plan as though God will bless it and then implement it. He will reveal to you what He wants for your life. Don’t be so caught up in pruning the thorny bush that you fail to step back, enjoy its beauty, and smell the roses. For if God allows us to journey to the top of the mountain to see the sunrise after we have spent time in the shadows of the valley, we have to always remember who guided us there in the first place.
REFLECTION: In what area of your life have you lost hope? How can God’s word carry you? When difficult times come your way (and they will) – do you find sustaining faith in His promises? Try to implement Ephesians 5:17: “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
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