Thought I would share a neat e-mail I got....<P>Unfolding the Rose<P>A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned<BR>preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what<BR>God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The<BR>older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher<BR>a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.<P>The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was<BR>trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with<BR>his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his<BR>ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he<BR>proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal<BR>intact... It wasn't long before he realized how impossible it was to<BR>do so. Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the<BR>rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to recite<BR>the following poem...<P><BR>UNFOLDING THE ROSE<P>It is only a tiny rosebud,<BR>A flower of God's design;<BR>But I cannot unfold the petals<BR>With these clumsy hands of mine.<P>The secret of unfolding flowers<BR>Is not known to such as I.<BR>GOD opens this flower so sweetly,<BR>When in my hands they die.<P>If I cannot unfold a rosebud,<BR>This flower of God's design,<BR>Then how can I have the wisdom<BR>To unfold this life of mine?<P>So I'll trust in Him for leading<BR>Each moment of my day.<BR>I will look to him for His guidance<BR>Each step of the pilgrim way.<P>The pathway that lies before me,<BR>Only my Heavenly Father knows.<BR>I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,<BR>Just as He unfolds the rose.<BR><P>------------------<BR>Faith1<P>"Then Jesus answered, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.'"<BR>Matt 15:28
