"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:24 (CEV)
Saint Frances de Sales preached, bloom where you are planted. I am reminded of this as I rub shoulders with those in my life.
It can be tough to bloom and share Christ with loved ones who want nothing to do with the Good News. A mother bows her head in prayer letting the tears fall, and a father kneels before his bed each night asking for a miracle. A teen has a heavy heart wanting their parents to embrace God’s salvation. It makes a grandmother sit, morning after morning, praying faithfully for the grandchildren, and a spouse tries to live an example of a Christ-follower.
God feels the same way we do about our loved ones. Even when we think it’s an impossible situation, He wants us to bloom. The task reminds of my walks through the woods when I see a beautiful little flower peeking through rocky surfaces. They are blooming right where they have been planted despite the impossible circumstances.
Like Paul, our aim is to finish the race to bloom for those we love. My father prayed 20 years for my grandfather to come to Christ and what a day of rejoicing when he did! When discouraged, remember the little flower blooming in an almost impossible place.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace. Thank you that we can partner with You to bloom and testify to those that need a life of true freedom and forgiveness. Give us wisdom and courage to live like the little flower in rocky places of impossibly. Holy Spirit, work in their hearts and unveil the darkness to see the Truth of Jesus’ sacrificial love for them. We ask that You help us as we run this life-giving race. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Take Action
Ask God to help you with the aim and "the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace" with those around you. Make a list of those in your life who need to embrace God’s grace and then partner with God to "bloom where you are planted." Believe that God is the God of possibilities in an un-seemingly impossible world.