Listen:
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Reflect:
The drooping cream-colored rose with the magenta edges that sat on my windowsill astonished me. How could it still smell so good when it looked so bad? This got me thinking about how I’m in a wilting process too. Aging. Certainly not looking as fresh.
Inevitably, suffering accompanies this process of getting old. Perhaps the most difficult challenge in this season has been the way chronic pain has impacted my husband and me. Our social life as a couple and ability to do activities together has been increasingly restricted over the years. Sometimes depression and loneliness press in hard.
However, I love how the Bible gives us droopy flowers hope. Paul says: “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Because of this ongoing rejuvenation, we constantly enjoy the vitality of our triumphant Lord. In him, we remain forever young!
The good news is that one day, when the kingdom of heaven announces Spring, we will all be planted anew. In the meantime, I want to be like the rose that once graced my windowsill, still smelling good, still spreading “everywhere the fragrance . . . of him” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Prayer of Response:
Lord, even in our sunset years, may your presence always perfume the atmosphere so that others may be drawn to you. Amen.
Questions to Ponder:
- How can the knowledge that we are continually led “in triumphal procession in Christ” help you in your trials?
- In what practical ways do we spread the fragrance of Christ?
—Submitted by Ruth Wood
Ruth is a US/Swiss citizen and lives with her husband in Oregon. They have two grown sons, two lovely daughters-in-law, and one very spoiled grandcat. She works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and enjoys blogging at EspressoForTheHeart.org.
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