We Are Like Flowers In God's Garden-
I once heard the Lord speak to my heart:
“You are each precious to Me.
You are like a flower in a garden, each beautiful in your own way.
Turn your face to Me and I will shine My light on you.
I will give you breathe for life, daily food (like manna) and living water.”
Each of us is different - some are short, some are tall, some are fuller bodied, some are slim, some outgoing, some very quiet. God showed me that flowers are each varied and unique and teach us lessons about how God sees us – as unique, beautiful flowers in His garden.
God created the flowers to bring beauty to the earth and pleasure to us. Each flower is unique and very beautiful as a single bloom. But it is more beautiful to see them together as a bouquet or arrangement. This is a lovely demonstration of how we each come together as the body of Christ and complement the strengths, weaknesses, giftings and needs of each other. Together we are more powerful, more complete, although individually we are also beautiful in our own way.
Like the flowers, each of us is unique in various ways. Here are some types of flowers to reflect on the types of woman you and I may be. One is not better than another . Which one are you??
Some flowers are: Early bloomers like the crocus who pushes through conditions that hold others back and give hope. Others are late bloomers, like mums, that bloom after the heat has worn others out, continuing to minister their beauty and joy to us after others have stopped. Some are slow bloomers like sedum which eventually blooms in rock gardens, taking more time before releasing its potential.
Strength may also vary: Orchids are delicate and temperamental, needing ideal conditions and yet one of the most desired flowers. Hydrangeas are long lasting and can keep on giving beyond when they seem done. Azaleas need much protection before they can make it on their own. Impatiens and hostas can bloom in difficult conditions. Perennials are faithful, coming back each year. Lilies multiply and reproduce themselves easily.
Oriental poppies burst with color and draw .attention. Forget-me-nots are more quiet and subtle, just doing what they are created to do. Roses have a long lasting aroma and beauty but require much attention and need pruned so they don’t grow wild. Baby’s breath and statice don’t draw attention to themselves but enhance others.
Matthew 6 tells us not to worry. If we meditate about how God cares enough about the wildflower and the birds etc to provide what they need- air, sun, water, we can grasp a little more how very much He cares about each of us. God is our Provider and He calls us to trust in Him - in His goodness and power and love - to supply our needs (not necessarily our "wants") and that He hears our prayers and answers them.
Do you ever feel insignificant, like God wouldn't pick you from His garden? He doesn't see one gifting or personality or appearance as better than another. None of us is less important to Him. We are all supposed to be different. And we are pleasing to Him if we fulfill the specific call and purpose He created us to be. We are only to be ourselves, not like someone else.
Whatever type God created you to be, it is not just for us to keep to ourselves but our beauty, our aroma, our giftings are to be used for the benefit of those around us. Just as in the floral bouquet, each of us is important to the whole. Even those who feel small or insignificant have a role to play. Even a beautiful rose is more breathtaking when enhanced by subtle baby's breath and a simple green fern.
God created us because of His love for us and for us to love Him. He loves you as you are - big, small, dark, light, quiet, loud, shy or bold.. You are a child of the living God and He delights in you. Zephaniah 3: 17 tells us “The Lord your God is in your midst. He will exult over you with joy. He will be quiet in His love. He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” So bloom where God planted you and be who you are.
