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The Fair Flowers of
Promise
by Ellen G. White
As we look at a beautiful garden,
with its opening buds, let us remember that this is an expression of our
Father's love. As we note the varied tints of the flowers and inhale their
delicate fragrance, let us think of the words, "Consider the lilies of the
field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto
you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." God
has given us the flowers to teach us lessons of trust. "Wherefore, if God so
clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the
oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" If the great
Master Artist makes perfect and lovely that which is today, and tomorrow is
cast into the oven, will He not care much more for the beings purchased by the
blood of His only begotten Son?
We are pilgrims and strangers on this
earth, looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is
God. The path in which we travel is narrow, and calls for self-denial and
self-sacrifice. We meet with trial and conflict. But God has not left us to
travel without help. Our pathway to the heavenly Canaan is bordered with the
fair flowers of promise. They blossom all along the way, sending forth their
rich fragrance, like the flowers in the gardens of this earth.
To blot the promises of God from the
Word would be like blotting the sun from the sky. There would then be nothing
to gladden our experience. God has placed the promises in His Word to lead us
to have faith in Him. In these promises He draws back the veil from eternity,
giving us a glimpse of the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory which
awaits the overcomer. Let us, then, rest in God. Let us praise Him for giving
us such a glorious revelation of His purposes.
All along our pathway, God places the
flowers of promise to brighten our journey. But many refuse to gather these
flowers, choosing instead the thorns and thistles. At every step they weep and
mourn, when they might rejoice in the Lord because He has made the road to
heaven so pleasant.
As we look at the promises of God, we
find comfort and hope and joy; for they speak to us the words of the Infinite
One. Properly to appreciate these precious promises, we should study them
carefully, examining them in detail. How much joy we might bring into life, how
much goodness into the character, if we would but make these promises our own!
As we journey in the upward way, let us talk of the blessings strewn along the
path. As we think of the mansions Christ is preparing for us, we forget the
petty annoyances which we meet day by day. We seem to breathe the atmosphere of
the heavenly country to which we are journeying, and we are soothed and
comforted.
Do not think to find happiness in
selfish amusement. The flowers thus gathered soon wither and die. True
happiness is found only in the Master's service. In Him who is the Light of the
world we shall find comfort and hope. Our happiness comes not from what is
around us, but from what is within us; not from what we have, but from what we
are.
It is our privilege to sing the songs
of Zion now, to turn our eyes to the light, to bring hope into our own hearts
and into the hearts of others. God wants us to gather His promises, that we may
be strengthened and refreshed. Let us take our eyes from the curse, and fix
them on the grace so abundantly provided for us. God is dishonored when we fret
and worry. Thus we show that we are not trusting in Him, but in ourselves.
This life will have much brightness
for us if we will gather the flowers and leave the briers alone. Comfort,
encouragement, and support have been provided for every circumstance and
condition of life. No temptation comes to us that Christ has not withstood, no
trial that He has not borne. He knows each one of us by name. When a burden is
placed on us, He stands by, to lift the heaviest weight. He has given us
precious promises to lighten every burden. He assures us that His grace is
sufficient. Today we have His help. Tomorrow we may be placed in new
circumstances of trial, but the promise stands fast, "As thy days, so shall thy
strength be."
Let us rejoice in the love of God.
Let us praise Him who has made us such royal promises. Let these promises keep
our hearts in perfect peace. Let us honor God by weaving more of Jesus and
heaven into our lives. Jesus lives. His hand is guiding us. This present life
is not the summer but the winter of the Christian, nevertheless He may
constantly enjoy the sunbeams of Christ's righteousness. He may have in His
heart the peace "which passeth all understanding," even the peace which Christ
gives.
Published in The
Youth’s Instructor, January 23, 1902.
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|  God's
Word Our Assurance
Christ
Our Righteousness A Morning Talk
Through
Faith Alone Part 1
Through
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What
Was Secured by the Death of Christ
Seek
Those Things Which are Above Part 1
Seek
Those Things Which are Above Part 2
Christ,
Our Loving Comforter and Restorer
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"Let
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Ellen
G. White's Last Recorded Letter
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A
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Our Hope
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Help
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Christ's
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Trusting
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The
Fair Flowers of Promise
How
God’s Love is Manifested, Part 1
How
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"Ye
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"Ye
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"Ye
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"I
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Working
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A
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The
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What
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God's
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A
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and it shall be given you, Part 1
Ask
and it shall be given you, Part 2
The
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The
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The
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One
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Windows
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The
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Christ
Spans the Gulf of Sin, Part 1
Christ
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Homeward
Bound
A
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Asking
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The
Mighty and Inspiring Conflict
God's
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True
Success
Little
Things
You May Trust
Him
Hearts
Filled with Thankfullnes to God
Calamities
and God’s Love; Sin, Judgment, and the Shortness of Time
Lord
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The
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Some Thoughts
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