Glory

When this azalea begins to bloom each year, I confess to thinking it’s a bit ‘peely-wally’ as they say in Scotland. Washed out. But as the days go by, the colour comes out, more and more vibrantly, and now, as you can see, it reflects the very glory of God. It is stunning.

What you can’t see perhaps is that around its base there is a jungle of ground elder and buttercups and who knows what other insidious weeds, seeking to choke the life out of the azalea, or, at the very least, leach away its beauty. Despite the weeds (yes, I do intend to get out there and clear the space, one of these days ...) the azalea continues to amaze with its beauty.

Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting and praying with someone whose physical well-being is threatened. There is, however, no outward sign of the struggle going on within. Rather, she radiates the glory of God. Faith and love and grace drip from her every word. Peace emanates from deep within. We were there to minister to her, but she, in fact, ministered to us. 

The heavens declare the glory of God. All creation declares his glory. And so do many believers who shine like beacons; as the darkness deepens, their inner light intensifies, leading others to safety and faith. May God bless this dear lady today, and continue to heal and bless her.