Christianity Oasis Forum

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

As I walked with no thoughts of any particular place to go this time,
I drew weary in the scorching heat deciding to sit and rest for a while.
A clearing ahead I saw just big enough for me to relax in peace,
So I went and rested from the heat of the day and blinding sunlight.
At my right side stood the symbol of all that is cursed, of all troubles.
The thorn bush... could there be a worst place to sit I thought?
My flesh wished to move far from that place the bush stood,
But my spirit saw what my flesh could not understand.
I studied it with the curious heart of a child to see what I could find,
What secrets of God were hidden within the sharp pains of the branches?

As I sat studying the thorn bush The Spirit began to speak revealing the meanings hidden.
I marveled as I was shown the secrets of the unseen growing right in front of my eyes.
It showed me what each part meant, starting from the beginning and stopping at the end:
The main branch from which all the other branches stemmed was the sin in the world,
Sin causes all pain, righteousness brings forth only good and life, but sin only pain and death.
Next the smaller branches from which the thorns grew were the pain and trials of this life,
While they cause pain for awhile eventually the pain stops and joy takes its place.
O the flowers... I had not noticed them before! Such beauty! Pure white, a true joy to behold,
It was told to me they represent the blessings that God brings forth out of the thorns of life.
Imagine! God loves so deeply, that even pain He uses to show Himself to His creatures!
What came next was intriguing to me, buds... flowers not yet in bloom, not showing their beauty.
How could they hide any secrets? They weren't even pretty, just green and closed from view,
But The Spirit answered and said: "These represent the blessings to come! The ones not yet in view.
Finally I saw the end of the branch, slowly it was dieing soon it would be no more to see.
This I knew was the secret to hold on to, the pain, as with the thorns, does not last forever,
For after its' appointed time is over, it dies out. But though it is gone, the flowers remain behind.

Overjoyed was my spirit! Learning the truths of God's wisdom, seeing His secrets.
They were revealed to me to show others the unseen world around them.
To show the secrets He placed in nature that go unnoticed everyday.
Why even the flowers and trees and all plants shout and point at their creator,
The one who spoke them into being and cares for them everyday of their lives.
He clothes them in beauty, covers them in grace, allows them to display His love.
Back to Him do they send the glory, not for themselves to they accept it.
For the the plants of the earth know who created and sustains them.
They are humble before Him who gives and takes away, who loves without ending.
From their emergence out of the ground they seek His face all their lives,
Even when the winds of trouble blow, they hold on until all is calm again,
Then they perk back up, not fazed at all by the wind, and once again point to their maker.
Much can we learn from the thorn bushes in the world, what ever form they take,
Whether a plant in the woods, or the troubles that befall us in this life we lead.
Pain only lasts for a very short time, but the blessings that come forth last forever.

James Bloor 2010

[mlg]

Semper what a nice poem. Thank you for sharing.

luv ya

[SEMPERFIDELUS8403]

Ats actually a true story. I had at happen a few yrs ago.