As I looked around while I was mowing the yard and trimming the bushes everything seems fuller and bigger this year. The winter was hard, we had so much snow and rain. Honestly, there were times I doubted Spring would ever come, but it did. Very few of my plants died. For the first time my lilac bush and crab apple tree actually have little flowers popping out.
Our lives as Christians are similar to the plants and trees in nature. Some Christians can't handle the pressures of life so they retreat, or even spiritually die during the adversities of life. Trials and hardships like this past winter can seem relentless. Ironically, trials often bring us closer to God and each other. Growth in Christ is sometimes painful, but necessary.
I remember being diagnosed with Chron's. I really never expected to live as long as I have. Twenty surgeries latter, I definitely feel physically weaker now. I'm closer to God, because of my circumstances. God always has my best interest at heart. In short I'm moving toward the mark of completeness for eternity. Only God takes all the negative and turns it into a beautiful ending. :) Like my lilacs, roses and gardenias at the end of my winter all the hardships will turn into a fragrant awesome product for God's glory.
"Be joyful always, pray continually; Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test every good thing. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.May your whole spirit, body and soul be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (NIV)
We all go through different trials according to His will. Hang on to Jesus when the winds of change howl. Let Him hold you when you're too weak to go on. Finally, smile as you look back at all His wonderful grace that's carried you through and know He will until you go home.
