Encouragement
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Have you ever paid attention to dandelions? Have you ever noticed that they don’t need a favorable, stable environment before it blossoms? They grow no matter where they are.
I’ve watched dandelions pop up through cracks in the sidewalk, between rocks, and I’ve even seen them standing strong and tall surrounded by snow. Dandelions are persistent, tenacious because God put something in that little flower that sustains it. You can pluck them up, but they will be back. There is much to be learned from these weeds.
The dandelion is also known by the names Lion's Tooth, Blow Ball, Cankerwort, Priest's Crown, Puffball, Swine Snout, White Endive, and Wild Endive. (It is one of the bitter herbs in the Passover tradition). They are one of the planet's most famous and useful weeds, yet very bothersome to serious gardener as well as those who’d just like to keep their lawns presentable. People spare no cost to get rid these floral pests.
Gardeners may not appreciate dandelions but children do. Children freely pick them and just as freely distribute them with a smile.
As a child I would pick a handful of dandelions and run home to present them to my grandmother. She would smile, find an empty jelly jar, fill it with water and plunk my treasure in it for all to see. Some of the flowers were broken and already wilting, but she didn’t seem to mind. I had picked them for her and that was what mattered most. Through the eyes of a child a dandelion is greatly valued. Through God’s eyes, we are greatly valued.
I also remember as a child picking the fuzzy flower and blowing on it. Sometimes the wind would cause it to blow back in my face and tickle my nosed, but I love to watch them float high up in the sky and disappear. I didn’t know that in blowing those delicate weeds I was helping the pollination process.
Sometimes in our delicate state of suffering, God blows on us, stretches us, and press us down so that we can grow, mature and abandon our comfort zones.
I’ve recently discovered that dandelions have great medicinal purposes. They contain vital nutrients and minerals as well as vitamins A, B, C and D. Dandelions have been used for centuries as a primary herb that purifies the blood and flushes toxins out of the body, via the liver and kidneys.
Christians should be as resilient as the dandelion. When oppression comes know that God will cause us to multiply and increase just like the children of Israel in Exodus 1:12a “But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread…” We must be persistent like the dandelion because of the greater one that abides in us. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. (John 15:5) Our strength comes from him. Also, because we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) we can stand strong and tall. His Holy Spirit flows through us and enable us to “make it” and overcome every adversity. Without him we can do nothing, but through him, we can do all things. (Phil 4:13)
Just as God designed the dandelion to grow in spite of opposition, how much more has he instilled and invested in us? Are we not created in his image and likeness? (Gen. 1:26) As long as we are rooted and grounded in Jesus, we study the word, and allow it to become our sustenance we be victorious.
We must go through to get to what God has for us on the other side. Remember there is always something better on the other side of through.
Others may not believe in you based on your race, your appearance, or because of your past failures and mistakes, but be of good cheer. The dandelion does not quit in the face of adversity and neither should you. You must believe in yourself. Consider the dandelion.
Barbie Jefferson
© 2000
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