Often discarded and removed, this beautiful pink oxalis is seen as a nuisance, rather than seeing the beauty it beholds. Don’t disregard something that is beautiful just because it is small or young.
1 Timothy 4:12 KJV “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Just as we were getting ready to leave for a day at the beach, it started raining. Traveling down the road, the clouds were getting darker and menacing, but we kept going. Then we received a text, “You are going to the beach, it’s raining.” We had every excuse to turn around and go back home, but we continued on. And, we had a great day to be at the beach enjoying the sound of the waves and spending time together.
Life is not about waiting for the perfect time or circumstances. Life is to be lived now, not waiting for everything to line up in order because the perfect time might never come and things might never line up.
God’s timing is perfect and our timing is limited. We see the clouds; He sends the sunshine. We see the excuses; He sees the opportunities. We see the hinderances; He opens the doors.
Seek God’s will. If God says “Wait”, then wait. If God says “Go ahead”, then go ahead. If God says, “No” then don’t do it. If God says, “I have something better for you,” then wait patiently.
Just because the wind is blowing and the clouds look heavy is no reason to delay planting the seed or reaping the harvest. Never let excuses keep you from doing what God has called you to do.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 KJV “He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
With 8 billion people in the world, it is easy for us to think we do not matter or make any difference. We see ourselves as an insignificant person in a world filled with others who have more influence or fame than we do. We spend too much time trying to impress others rather than just being the person God made us to be.
When we stop chasing fame or popularity and decide to strive to be the person God wants us to be, then we can see that our life has meaning and purpose. Each person has the potential to make a difference in the family, church, place, and position God has put them in.
Just like this single flower, which is one among thousands, provides so much. It helps to produce seeds for the production of more plants. Provides nectar so bees can produce honey. Adds color and beauty to the area. Helps to reduce stress and provide joy for those who admire its beauty.
God has a purpose and plan for your life. Don’t be someone you are not. But strive to be more like Christ and you will make a difference in the lives of others.
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Scripture:
1 Peter 1:22–25 ESV “1:22 ¶ Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,
1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
1:24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls,
1:25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.””
Devotion: How do I handle times of great trials?
Peter is addressing Christians who were forced to flee their homes because of the great persecution they were facing. Imagine having to leave your home and move to an unfamiliar place because you are being persecuted for your faith in Jesus Christ. The difficulties can weigh heavily on one’s heart and life, taking a great toil. Discouragement and doubt can creep into one’s heart during these times.
Peter encourages the Christians to remember these truths which will be a foundation for your life.
1. During difficult times, do not forget to love one another sincerely.
How much we need one another when we are going through great difficulties! We need their love and care. We need their encouragement. We need one another, to love one another with a earnest, sincere love. When we truly listen to the Lord and obey His command to love one another.
Love helps all. Love encourages all. Love heals all.
John 13:34–35 ESV “13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””
Romans 12:9 ESV “¶ Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
2. During difficult times, do not forget you are born again by the precious blood of Jesus and the living Word of God.
1 Peter 1:19, 23 ESV “1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;”
We are saved by the grace of the Lord! We are saved by the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed on Calvary’s cross for you and me. We are saved by the living Word of God, where the seed is planted in our lives. The Word grows and grows in faith in our lives.
Remember what Christ did for you!
3. Do not forget life is short so focus on eternal things, not temporal.
Colossians 3:1–2 ESV “3:1 ¶ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Life is short. Before we realize it, we have grown old. We spend so much time on things that do not last. We focus on the temporary, worldly things that vanish away. Houses come and go. Possessions come and go. Jobs come and go. What we think will last soon fades away.
Keep your eyes on Christ and eternity and it will help you get through times of great difficulties.
Three lessons:
