That's What Makes You Beautiful

Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of. -Charles Spurgeon

We have been talking a lot about trials lately, and how we need to draw close to God during the trials. When we draw close to him, he will give us the strength to get to the other side and become the beautiful rose we are meant to be, but that doesn't mean that you will never experience a trial again. Trails are a part of life, but this shouldn't discourage you. It should encourage you. It should give you hope that in the future you will be a better person than you are now; that God isn't finished with you yet. If you feel like you've messed up, God offers you forgiveness and a way to become better if you only draw close to him and be willing to do what he says. Trials, yes they can hurt, yes they can seem to last forever, but that's what makes you beautiful. That's how God forms your blossom into a beautiful rose!

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10).

Withering Rose

To flee unto God is the only stay which can support us in our afflictions, the only armor which renders us invincible -John Calvin

Many of us are becoming like withering roses in life. We have faced many trials, and don't feel like facing any more. When trials come our way, instead of standing strong and drawing close to God for such strength, we try to ignore the trial, hoping it will go away. The problem is: this is causing a withering of our hearts.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Trials are what molds us. The trials in our lives shape us into who God wants us to be. If you don't try to learn anything, or don't stand strong and don't draw close to God through your trial, then your rose won't grow (which is God's intention: for us to become stronger and better people through our hardships once we reach the other side). Instead, our hearts will begin to wither when we don't trust God throughout the trials. We will feel lost, depressed, and discouraged because we lack the hope that God offers us. God wants us to be steadfast throughout our trials by trusting and relying on Him. Only then will our rose be able to grow to the flower God wants it to be. Only then will we feel a peace like no other, because of the hope God gives us. God gives us hope, courage, strength, and peace in our hearts and minds!

Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take. Joshua 1:9