The Unfolding Rose

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact.. . It wasn’t long before he realized how impossible it was to do so.

Noticing the younger preacher’s inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...

UNFOLDING THE ROSEBUD

It is only a tiny rosebud, a flower of God’s design;
But I cannot unfold the petals with these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly, when in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud, this flower of God’s design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom to unfold this life of mine?

So I’ll trust in Him for His leading each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me, only my Heavenly Father knows.
I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments, just as He unfolds the rose.

-Author Unknown

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley.

Song of Solomon 2:1

Serenity Prayer

I asked for Strength...
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom...
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity...
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage...
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love...
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors...
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted ...
I received everything I needed!

Jesus, is my Rose of Sharon