Grow Where You Are Planted, Part 2

This picture does not do the reality justice. In it you will see a utility pole (the one in the foreground behind the transformer). From the pole comes down cables that anchor the pole, and they are covered with a white plastic. Growing out of the top of the plastic is healthy, bushy plant.

The amazing thing about this, is the plant grew inside the white plastic up the pole, instead of outside. I've seen many poles covered in vines and weeds, but never growing inside of the plastic covering.

The plant must have inadvertently found its way inside the pole. The plastic held it back. It was dark and uncomfortable in there. But the plant had perseverance. It kept pushing up, with its "face" toward the sun. As long as it kept heading toward the sun, it kept growing. Finally it got out of the dark, and into the presence of the sun - and look how it bloomed and revealed its glory.

What adversity are you facing today? What is holding you back? What is keeping you in the dark? What is making you uncomfortable? Have perseverance! Keep your face toward the Son! As long as you head toward the Son, you'll keep growing. Have faith that God will bring you through the trials. After you have been brought through, then you too will bloom. And God's glory will be revealed.

Romans 5:3,4 -- Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

James 1:2-4 -- Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 4:12, 13 -- Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.