ROSES SHOULD NEVER CRY OVER THORNS

ROSES SHOULD NEVER CRY OVER THORNS

 It’s fairly easy to become preoccupied with the lesser (and more challenging) dimensions of ourselves, and others.  Indeed, it is human nature to emotionally highlight those things which could somehow serve to diminish us.  Consider the paralyzed woman who is creatively brilliant and warmly sensitive to others, but can only visualize the insufficiency of her legs and feet.  Consider the successful businessman who, although lacking in formal training, possesses a natural aptitude for building enduring relationships and trust, but is absolutely agonized by the absence of a college degree.

 These persons remind me of a family occurrence.  I had given roses to my beloved wife, Belinda, and was accidentally pricked by a sharp thorn.  An elevated level of momentary pain produced further contemplation, so I paused for a moment, pondering the purpose and plight of the rose. 

 Admittedly, my thoughts were somewhat strange: ‘What if roses were not only living flowers, but fully sentient, emotional beings?  What if they could never discern the vibrant beauty of their vivid colors and delicate petals, for one reason only, because they were morbidly fascinated by (and totally focused on) their THORNY CONDITION?  What if roses were somehow able to smile, but permanently withheld their charismatic glory because they had grown sad and sullen by contemplating their thorns?  What if roses were given to bouts of melancholy followed by endless tears, so much so that their recipients could not possibly sense their amazing potential for joy?’ 

 WHAT IF…?

 Well, I have a simple yet profound revelation for you.  YOU ARE A ROSE – exclusively designed and elegantly crafted by ALMIGHTY GOD, Himself.  So, instead of continuously grieving over your ‘apparent thorns,’ just KNOW (like the Apostle Paul) that God’s “grace is sufficient” for you. (II Corinthians 12:7-9)

 Who knows?  Your THORNY CHALLENGE could be the part of you that GOD uses to touch and transform someone who needs to hear YOUR TESTIMONY OF TRIUMPH.  Never forget one of the most paradoxical truths shared by our Creator.  He declares, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Corinthians 12:9)

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!