On this past Sunday at church, I was enlightened by our guest speaker for our Missionaries’ Annual Day. Glennschella Taylor serves as a foreign missionary with her husband in Africa, and spoke of her experiences there and abroad. She said something powerful that stuck with me. She said “a ministry without thorns will bear no roses.” Think about it.
Thorns on a rose bush are needed to help protect the rose from plant eating animals that may destroy it. As a rose bush need thorns to help the roses grow, so do we need thorns in our life to help develop us. The thorns we face in life come in many forms, some very painful and sometimes may seem unbearable, but they are all beneficial to help us grow and blossom into what God intended. Isaac Hayes once said that “if you enjoy the fragrance of a rose, you must accept the thorns which it bears.”
Lord give me strength to endure my life’s thorns, no matter how they prick me, so that I may mature into the beautiful rose God meant for me to be.
May your joy abound.
It's wonderful the have a front row seat as I watch what God is doing in your life. You certainly know what you are talking about when you mention thorns. God know you've had your share. You are a beautiful rose and I'm glad you're mine.
ReplyDeleteSister McGee, I am happy and excited to see that you have started blogging and I've truly enjoyed your first two essays (and the photo too!). You are a lovely young woman so it's no wonder that Pastor is so good at what he does. In our family you are known as OUR Michell O ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a profound statement she made concerning roses and thorns immediately a scripture comes to mind - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed day!!!
In all the years I've known you, I never knew you were such a gifted writer. I'm glad that the Lord has opened this new path for you to express your gifts. Keep writing, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThats a wonderful post, may God bless you and your husband!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sis. McGhee! I definitely needed to hear this. Please Pray for me as I try to endure the thorns. God bless! ~Kelli
ReplyDelete