Roses and Rain

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

The arching pink rosebush in my yard blossomed in all her glory this morning. By noon the rain weighted her down, her blossoms scattered on the ground. She needed the rain. It had been more than a week since our last rain. Everything was parching. I knew tomorrow would bring the sunshine, the canes would lift again and new blossoms would open. She would be more beautiful than ever. Had the rain never come, the blossoms would have dwindled and the leaves would have spotted and died.

We are so much like the rosebush. Life can be going along just great until some major event comes along and bends us low with its burden of cares. Maybe its finances, or sickness, or a big bump in the marriage road, whatever, it just may be that God intends to use this burden for our good. This rain event will ultimately help us grow and be a greater witness than we ever would have been without the trial. When I think back to the many things we have gone through as a couple and with the children, I can see how each storm has brought us low and then lifted us up, closer to God, to each other and better witnesses. It’s always nice when the storm passes, but rest assured another will come along and we will ultimately be glad for the growth it will bring.

Father, help us to see the storms of our life are part of your loving purpose to help us grow.

In Jesus name. Amen.