Flower Power

Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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Listen while you read: "Rejoice And Be Glad"1 (Lyrics)

Our yearly vacation to Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, the largest fresh water island in the world, could not come soon enough. The island is so welcoming and beautiful. One day as I was walking along the rock formation by the water's edge, I saw something that I have since been pondering: a delicate purple flower growing out of the rock. As I came closer to inspect, I saw the flower's stem protruding out of a tiny crack in the rock, and I wondered how such a thing could be possible. The flower seemed to have pierced through the rock, an object so hard that no one could break it with their hand. But at the same time, the stem of the flower could easily be broken. I am sure that there is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon, but to me, it is a miracle of God's creation and power.

I am thinking that somehow a tiny seed lodged in that very tiny crack and, in time, pierced and grew in the rock, and reached its petals towards the sun to capture the rain that made it grow into the beautiful, bell-like flower.

Have you ever noticed how a tiny flower can pierce through asphalt? This frequently happens in our driveway: a fragile, wild plant pushing its way through asphalt.

This phenomenon made me think of our individual lives when trials come our way. Sometimes, we feel like the burden is too much to carry, just like a depth of asphalt, a heavy rock, or a confining crevice that we find ourselves struggling to get out of, longing to breathe some fresh air. It is at times like these that we need to call out to our Creator, Who will help us and save us. He may choose to remove the situation that we may find ourselves in, or to take us away from it. But if not, He will grant us the strength, peace, power, and endurance to push through whatever we are going through at that moment. And we, too, with God's help, will pierce through the asphalt, like that tiny flower, and grow and shine as God's light illumines us.

James 1:2-4 – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (NLT)

Prayer: Creator God, You show us miracles every day; grant us to see them. Help us to remember to call on You when we are faced with trials that put us into a depression or a feeling of hopelessness that we can't come out of. We thank You for listening and raising us up to shine Your light to others. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    A strong image. Thank you Rosemary.


    Thanks for a beautiful devotion Rosemary. God bless.


    Dear Rosemary,
    I really enjoy your story “Flower Power”.
    Thank you.


    Good Morning Rosemary:
    I would like thank you for this morning’s devotion.


    Your devotional resonated with me. I took a picture of a flower growing out of asphalt once. I named it “Persistence”. Thank you for sharing your writing gift.
    Blessings.


    Dear Rosemary,
    Thank you for reminding us of one of the wondrous ways God shows us his power in nature. We are given examples of how much God can do in our lives. We can lift our selves to Him as he sees us. Just as the flower is, we are dependent upon him too.
    Keep writing.


    Thank you Rosemary. I shared your words with a dear friend who confessed to me yesterday that she had lost her joy. Her little granddaughter has been diagnosed and they have said she will not live much beyond her first birthday. We are asking God for a miracle of healing for her. I believe God is going to spare this child’s life and that she will be like that little flower pointing to the wonder of what God can do. May she grow to shine for Him and may we all be amazed by His power and His glory.
    God’s timing is wonderful. I was so encouraged by this devotional and I am sure she will be too Sincerely with a grateful heart.


    Hello Rosemary,
    Thank you for your devotional this morning.
    Your illustration of the flower breaking through a rock was very timely as I had a bunch of unexpected stuff to deal with recently and I’m so thankful for the Lord who gave me strength to get through it. He didn’t take it away but wanted me to go through it which, in the long run, is much more helpful to myself and to others who need encouragement to look to the Lord in the tough times.
    There are two kinds of TV ministers; those who preach the entire Word; and then those who only pull out of the Bible what they want to hear. When pastors and ministers do the latter, they miss out on seeing the Lord work through the tough issues of life.
    I know many Christians who are physically unhealthy and not wealthy but who have a solid heart for Christ and, even though their bodies are fading away, they are being renewed day by day. (2 Cor. 4:16-18).
    God bless you.


    Dear Rosemary;
    Thank you for this devotional, FLOWER POWER, so true.
    The reference to Manitoulin Island reminded of my late mother born there. Brought back precious memories.

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