Dying

I had changed my profile picture not too long ago to this one of the wildflower Indian Pipe. It is quite a unique flower in that it always appears white because it lacks chlorophyll and cannot produce its own food. It receives its nourishment from dead or decaying plant materials. Indian Pipe is also known as Corpse Plant. Its bright white color reminds me somewhat of bones, giving me a visual reminder of this second name. It would certainly never be mistaken for a beauty in a traditional kind of way. I do think that it is strangely beautiful, if not a bit odd.

Some of my best "conversations" with God have been when He speaks to me through His awesome creation. In the midst of recent spiritual warfare, God pointed out to me that I, like this flower, would have to associate myself with death. Some things need to die in me. Praise God that some things are dying in me as I fight on. We tend to have a fear of death and pain, but it produces such beauty and freedom if we will just entrust ourselves to Him. Have I loved the dying moments I have encountered? Certainly not! I could not run away fast enough. My loving Father, though, has a wonderful way of getting me alone with Him and lavishing me with His love and faithfulness. He is so extraordinarily patient with me as I fear the kind of surrender that He is waiting for, but each small "death" along the way draws me nearer to that goal.

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