A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned
preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what
God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The
older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a
rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.
The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and
was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with
his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry.
Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded
to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal in tact...It
wasn't long before he realized how it was impossible to do so.
Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud
while keeping it in tact, the older preacher began to tell the
following poem...
UNFOLDING THE ROSEBUD
It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of GOD's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
When in my hands they fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of GOD's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Author Unknown
.