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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Bloom (11/22/12)
    The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. (Isaiah 35:1-2a NIV)
Crocuses are among the first plants to burst into bloom even while snow is still on the ground. According to an article at GardenersNet.com, these hardy flowers begin to grow with a warm spell in late winter or early spring, and blossom into bright colors of impressive beauty within a few days of growth.

One of the good things about crocuses is they are easy to care. Even if snow falls again before they bloom or during bloom, the crocuses remain unharmed and come back year after year to brighten up the winter gardens with colors in large display. Bumblebees and butterflies hungry after hibernation love to feed on the nectar from the crocuses. Yet despite such beauty and value, crocuses disappear soon after flowering and do not leave behind any ugly aftermath of dying foliage. This is according to Nigel Colborn in his article on the magical powers of crocuses at DailyMail.co.uk.

The crocus is described in the Bible as a plant that bursts into bloom and brings much rejoicing to a deserted land. The parched land exemplifies the ‘dried up’ lives we live in during the times we run away from God or are not walking in Him (Isaiah 35:1-2). Yet even then, God promises us if we are to turn from our wayward ways and return to Him, He will restore us. Our lives will be like water gushing forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool and the thirsty ground bubbling springs. Gladness and joy will overtake us and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:6-7, 10).

Are we down and out feeling all dried up in our spiritual lives? If we are, let us come back to God that He may refresh us and quench our thirst. Like the crocuses that bloom to brighten up the gardens and feed the bumblebees and butterflies, let us also ‘bloom’ to reveal to the world the beauty and glory of our God in and through our lives. No matter how long or short our lives may be on earth, let us not leave behind anything with regret or sadness, but let us be found faithful to the end in showing faith in the way we live.

Dear Lord, thank You for not turning away from us even when we run away from You. Restore our souls O Lord and quench our thirst in our times of spiritual dryness as we return to You that we may with gladness and joy show to the world Your great mercy and love. Take our lives and make them wholly Yours Lord, for we desire to do Your will and live in You all the days of our lives through eternity—life forevermore.
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This article has been read 1301 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Sandra Hartman
12/01/12
You did an excellent job of weaving together the story of the crocus and comparing it to our Christian walk. So true and so good to be reminded and encouraged that we too can bloom like the crocus.
Christina Banks
12/02/12
I enjoyed your devotional. I always look forward to my crocuses blooming in the spring.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
12/04/12
You always impress me with these devotions. Not only do you find the perfect scripture but you put it in a way that is understandable by the laymen. Your words surrounded me with a blanket of love and kindness. Your prayer is heartfelt and the perfect way to end a devotion.
C D Swanson 
12/04/12
Touching and well written devotional. Thanks.
God bless~
C D Swanson 
12/06/12
Congrats! God bless~
Noel Mitaxa 
12/06/12
Congratulations on your placing for yet another thoughtful devotional entry. I liked your use of parallels that link the whole piece together.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
12/07/12
Congratulations for ranking 3rd in your level and 17 overall!