Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Bloom Where You are Planted.....

I snapped this picture in our backyard the other morning. I have always been amazed at God's creation - how plants just KNOW when to reappear every year, how the birds just KNOW how to fly south for the winter, how trees just KNOW when to change colors and shed their leaves.... This picture reminded me once again, how awesome God's plan for us really is. It also reminded me of some very valuable lessons that can be found in His word:

  1. It reminds me to be content. Phil. 4:11-12 tells us that we need to learn to be content, whatever the circumstances. Do you really think this poor flower was happy that it was surrounded by snow? Probably not, but it decided to "bloom where it was planted" just as God had planned.
  2. It reminds me that God has a plan. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). We could easily look at situations similar to the one in the picture and think, "What in the world is that flower thinking?? Doesn't it know that it is freezing out here and it will never survive in these cold elements?" But, in reality, God is in control - He has a reason and a plan for everything - it's not up to us!
  3. Lastly, it reminds me that what God created is GOOD. Over and over again in the first chapter of Genesis, we read, "... and He saw that it was good." God created us and our surroundings for good. In a world full of sin and destruction, this flower reminds me that there is still some good in this life, but that the best is yet to come...

If we follow God's plan, learn to be content, and appreciate all that we have been blessed with, we will truly be able to "Bloom Where We are Planted."

4 comments:

Sasha said...

I like your thoughts. You should keep up with them all and write a devo book!

Stephanie said...

Thanks, Sasha! That made my day!! Who knows - you may see my name on a book one of these days, and then I can say, "My friend, Sasha, gave me this idea...." (Wait - would I have to pay you if I did that???) :o)

Wendi said...

Oh Stephanie!! You have given me such encouragement!! Spring is on the way. I agree...your devotion book would be awesome....you have such great uplifting thoughts!!!

Jill said...

I love this, I'm going to start expecting these and call them "Steph's Bible Blog Thoughts"
I love that picture- it's awesome!