A young, newly ordained preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned minister in the church garden one day. He was feeling a bit insecure about God’s will for his life and what He had planned for him, and he asked advice from the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young man a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry.

However, because of his high respect for the older minister, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose while keeping every petal intact...It wasn't long before he realized that it was impossible to do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher recited the following poem...

UNFOLDING THE ROSEBUD (By Helen Steiner Rice)

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of GOD's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of GOD's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

- Story Author Unknown

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Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 NIV

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 NLT

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

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I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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