I Never Promised You a Rose Garden

When we struggle with personal issues, very often we choose silence as the best way to deal with everything. Simply put, we retreat.

Some say "silence is golden" ... I'm not so sure! If you’re being quiet today, let me ask you … are you walking in victory? Are you trusting in your Savior? Are you claiming His promises? Are you encouraging others even the midst of your own storm? Is your light shining so others know in Whom you have placed your trust?

If you’re struggling or you're weary, let me persuade you to begin encouraging one another, building one another up in the most holy faith, praying for one another, and carrying one another's burdens to the Lord.

Anne Murray sang a song a long time ago entitled, "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden". It reminds me of walking through the gardens at the Vanderbilt Estates in North Carolina and, oh, what an exquisite experience were those rose gardens! But this walk God has called us to—it's not an easy walk, it's not fragrant, nor is it peaceful. And especially, it's not beautiful! It's not like a walk through the Rose Garden at all! Or, is it?

Is this an easy walk?

Matt 11:28-30 ~ "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Is it a fragrant walk?

2 Cor 2:14 ~ 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.

Is it a peaceful walk?

John 14:26-27 ~ But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Is it a beautiful walk?

Isa 61:3 ~ ... and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Consider this ... the beautiful Rose of Sharon is calling us back to His side where we will abide in His ease, His fragrance, His peace, and His beauty. Apart from Him, Anne Murray is right—it’s not a Rose Garden. But by His side, we are surrounded by the essence of His perfection in beauty, His unmatched strength, and His unfathomable love that will carry us though.

Come on ... let’s take a walk with the Rose of Sharon, through His Rose Garden as He leads us on the path to victory. The thorns are there, no doubt, but He already took the pain of the thorns for us. Let’s cling to Him and let Him carry us through!