The Essence

The Essence…

Imagine your soul is a garden. Sometimes, it’s sunny and peaceful, but nothing much grows. Other times, a storm blows through, and while it’s rough, it forces the plants to dig their roots deeper and bloom more beautifully. We need those “storms” sometimes, those challenges, to really see what we’re made of.

Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.   Song of Solomon 4:16

It’s like, would you rather have a perfectly still, boring day or a day with some exciting ups and downs? Even the downs can make the ups feel so much sweeter. We might prefer sunshine and gentle breezes, but a good gust of wind can shake things up and bring out the best in us.

God, wake me up! Whether it’s with a gentle nudge or a full-on shake, I want to be useful to you. I don’t want to just sit here, doing nothing. I want my life to be a fragrant offering to God, a display of faith, love, and resilience.

Dear Lord, please don’t let my soul become stagnant. Stir within me, whether through joy or hardship. Help me to embrace whatever comes my way, knowing that you are working all things for my good and your glory. Let my life be a garden that releases a beautiful fragrance of faith, love, and obedience. I long to please you, and I trust that you will use every season of my life to bring forth the best in me. Amen.

The gem can not be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

This perfectly encapsulates the idea that challenges are essential for growth. Just as a gem needs friction to become polished, our character needs trials to become refined. We shouldn’t fear the “friction” of life, but rather embrace it as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼