Yesterday I realized what the hard rains, heat and humidity had been producing besides buckets full of sweat from my body. Just outside our house, along the fence is the most beautiful flowers. It had been such a rainy, hot, humid week and all I had been noticing was the frustration it was producing in me until this morning when a friend pointed out the flowers. Then it hit me, how we will never be the beautiful flowers for the Lord with out the rain of our tears that come from the trials and the period of heat and humidity that it takes to bring beautiful blooms forth. Honest there are days I just want to escape to some mountain retreat where the air is cool and dry and be able to read a book without sweat dripping on the pages. This is not the place I would have picked to serve the Lord in but it is the place God has picked for me.We have been studying in Esther how God placed her where she was "for such a time as this". God placed her in a palace for a time when she would have a part in saving her people. Her actions could have cost her life but she was willing to perish if necessary. All God is asking of me is to endure a little heat and humidity to be a part of reaching the lost in Papua New Guinea.
Oh I want to be a woman of courage and say, bring on the heat and humidity, I'll endure for your sake Lord but as I sit typing the sweat drips on my computer and my determination withers. Then I look at the flowers again and they give me courage to cease the day for Him.
One thing you cannot see in my pictures though is all the bees buzzing in and out of those sweet flowers. I pushed past my fear of getting a bee sting to take several pictures knowing any second one could lite on me and cause me pain. I would have missed the fragrance those flowers produce when in full bloom, a heavenly smell along with an important reminded God wanted to teach me had I just gave up the venture. Wish there was some other way to have beautiful flowers without rain, heat, humidity and stinging bees...but that is God's way.
( This is a repost from about 3 years ago while we were serving in Papua New Guinea. Sweat is not dripping from my fingers onto the key board, thank God. Moving back to the states to serve with our mission produced it's own set of trials. They follow us where ever we live but so does He, the one who we can lean on, He does not mind sweat, dirt, tears and weaknesses. Instead of shying away from us in our frailness He is drawn to comfort and show His strength. )
How has God shown Himself strong to you?
link to:
"http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/"
Love the word picture...and wise thoughts!!! And the real picts as well...but not more than I love YOU my dear friend!! XOXO
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Kari (Kate), you sweet friend. You are the only one I know who signs off with XOXO. Warms my heart every time I hear from you. You might recognize the pictures, it was the flowers on the Colyn's fence. We lived in their house on while they were on furlough and Jen house and a few others.
ReplyDeletePray all is well with you and family. Love the pictures on fb, the kids have grown into such dolls..just don't tell Alex I called him a doll...he is handsome as a boy doll..hehe. Blessing my wise hearted friend. God is using you for His glory.
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ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful story at "Tell Me a Story." The rains do come into every life, but it is so wonderful when the seeds planted take root and bloom.
ReplyDeleteBetty, So grateful that you shared your beautiful words with us at #TellHisStory. You shine for Him!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful analogy, Betty. If we got to avoid all the things in life to suit our fancy, we'd be miserable wretches. It is the toughest times in our lives that produce the sweetest blossoms of our soul. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Glad He's not...
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to reflect on your words from tough times gone by. I always appreciate your honesty, Betty. It is encouraging. Thanks for sharing this.
Seems I am being read by some anonymous people, sorry if it has offended anyone. I will be looking into fixing this.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and encouraging post. I'm so glad God is right here with me! As David said, where can I go that He isn't there?
ReplyDeletePraise the LORD!
I was wondering where you were that had a hot, humid week :)
ReplyDeleteGod is showing himself strong to me as we deal with trial after trial lately, some small, others larger, some of own making, some not.
I keep looking at each one and try to see God's hand in it.
I know He is sovereign and His plan is perfect. I am trying to lean on that strength.
Thanks TC for the visit...you always encourage my heart.
ReplyDeleteI hear you Elizabeth...I too wonder at the timing of a trial...as if God does not know the prefect time. Hindsight is a gift for as we open it most of what wants to teach us will come tumbling out. Sometimes it's a gift for those around us, sometimes just for us, those are the sweetest. Thanks for stopping by. You along with TC have encouraged me today.
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