Today’s Thorn is Tomorrow’s Flower

Are you undergoing trials and challenges in life that you sometimes feel like giving up because it has not been granted? Here’s a story for you to ponder on:

Once there was a man who asked God for a flower and a butterfly, but God instead gave him a cactus and a caterpillar.  The man was sad. He didn’t understand why his request was mistaken. Then, he thought, “Oh! well, God has too many people to take care of,” and decided not to question. After some time, the man went to check on his request that he had left and forgotten. To his surprise, from the thorny and ugly cactus, a beautiful flower had grown and the unsightly caterpillar had been transformed into a most beautiful butterfly.

What lesson can we learn from the story? One writer explains, “God always does things right. His way is always the best even if to us it seems all wrong. If you ask God for one thing, and receive another, trust Him. You can be sure that He will always give you what you need at the appropriate time. What you want is not always what you need.

God never fails to grant our petitions, so keep on going without doubting and complaining. God gives the best to those who leave the choices up to Him.

I, too, have been praying of a certain request for years already, until now, it has not been granted. I sometimes plea to God to hear my prayer.  But, when I look around to see the blessings that He showers upon me, I would bow my head and say, “Lord, Thy will be done.  You know what is best for me. You are a God who is in control of everything. You are an Almighty God and I put everything in Your hands. What is important is that I will just keep on trusting You and faithfully love You.  I know that You always take care of my needs and my children’s needs. I praise and thank you, Lord, for all the blessings that you have showered on me and my children.

In the same vein, a friend had been praying for some time that God would give her a good husband and companion in life. After a continuous petition she was about to give up. But one sunny morning, I received a call from her. Her voice was bubbly with joy and enthusiasm. She said, “Maam, the Lord has answered my prayer. I have met the man of my dream. Truly, God hear my prayers. I would be getting married very soon!”  Before putting down the phone, she exclaimed, “Praise the Lord! Thanks be to God!

You and I may have moments of despair when our prayers are unanswered. However, the Bible contains these promises:

Psalm 9:12 – “He does not ignore those who cry to Him for help.”

Psalm 114:18 – “The Lord is close to all who call on Him; yes, to call on Him sincerely.”

Matthew 7:7 – “Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for.”

 James 5:16 – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.”

 Peter 3:12 – “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers.”

Let’s  also  bear in mind what Luke 18:1 (NTV) encourages – “…Always pray and don’t give up.”