FOODFORTHOUGHT

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 young 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 in tact...It wasn't long
before he realized how it was impossible to do so.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while
keeping it in tact, the older preacher began to tell 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.

PRAYER
"Lord Jesus, you bring hope and salvation to a world lost in sin and
suffering. Let your grace refresh and restore your people today in
the hope and joy of your great victory over sin and death."

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, your death brought life and freedom. Make me a servant of your love, that I may seek to serve rather than be served.

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