Beautiful things in Hard Places

Beautiful things in Hard Places

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes. 2 Corinthians 1:3 Good News Bible

Right in front of the cellar doors of my home there is a patch of crumbling concrete. I have been sweeping up the broken bits of concrete for some time. But something strange happened last year. Purple petunias sprouted right out of the broken concrete. Those flowers not only bloomed, but flourished all summer long.
As I get older, life seems to weaken and fall apart like old concrete. The dreams I had have broken into pieces. My accomplishments have cracked and are no longer useful. But some of my friends have experienced far worse. My heart goes out to those that are experiencing chronic illness, cancer, broken marriages and damaged faith.

I am a bit cautious about saying this, but I think that God can grow beautiful things in hard places. If we ask for God’s comfort (help) in trying times, if we hold on to God in difficult circumstances, He can (and often does) bring about a wonderful blessing in the midst of our trials. Every trouble, every wound, every hardship provides us an opportunity to trust God. Yes, I keep wondering why I have to endure troubles over and over again. And I admit that somehow it doesn't seem fair. But again, I think that these things happen so that we can learn not to rely on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9). Though we may feel broken, abandoned and ready for the trash heap, I think that God intends to plant something beautiful in us that would never take root in anything other than our pain.