Preacher and the Rosebud

A young, new preacher was walking with an older , more seasoned preacher in
the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for
him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked
up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher 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 ministy.
Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to
TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal in tact...It wasn't long
before he realized how impossible it was to do so.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud while
keeping it in tact, the older preacher began to tell the following poem...

UNFOLDING THE ROSEBUD 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.
(author UNKNOWN)

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