Our daughter has an innate attraction to God’s creations found in the beauty of nature. She has carried this affinity into her love for gardening. Glancing at the photo, my first thought was “that’s beautiful.” I did not give it a second look, until I read her text following the picture. “The blossom emanates a beautiful light fragrance, the petals are like tissue paper and intricate in design, yet it dies within twelve hours. Adorned in name, ‘Lilac Cactus Easter Lily.’” Take a second look—see the beauty in God’s design!
I am reminded of Luke 12:27 “Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither
toil
nor spin
…”
Do you find yourself “in a spin,” full of questions and confusion over the chaos in our world today? Are you rethinking and second guessing the values you held to be true? Are you fearful that times are changing and you are not sure where you stand on all the issues being raised? We as Christians have questions and deep concerns just as those without Christ are experiencing. Emotions are on high alert, and we are all seeking peace. 1Corinthians 14:33 tell us, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…”
Dr. David Jeremiah writes in his book,
A Life Beyond Amazing
:
“We are faced with crossroads in our life all the time—
go God’s way or our way?
We should settle that question once and for all, so we don’t reevaluate it every time. Every time we stop to decide afresh if we will submit to God’s leading, we are deciding whether to forfeit the fruit of the Spirit in our life—joy included.”
I think it is safe to say we are at a crossroads; it is time to “go God’s way!” Let us submit to God’s leading in our lives. Let us stay alert and monitor world events through the lens of biblical prophecy and teachings. Let us “Trust in the LORD with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding; in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
We have God’s promise in Isaiah 26:3 for perfect peace: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Therefore, we should not
“toil or spin.”
God made something beautiful of our once lost and broken lives. We have the awesome power of Christ living in us! We need to harness this power, and unleash it with compassion, sharing the hope that is within us to the lost and broken who are desperately in need of our Savior, Jesus. “Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
We are empowered and equipped with the Holy Spirit that lives within the lives of every believer. We can make a positive impact for Christ.
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing…in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” 2 Corinthians 2:15, 17
Just like the lily that deserved a second look, let us give a second look at our hearts and ask—Can we be the exquisite fragrance (aroma) that brings life? Life is fragile and short, always to be “Handled with Care” and bathed in prayer.
Lord Jesus, may we be the aroma that brings life, hope and joy whenever, wherever, and however You choose to use us. Amen
