Bloom Where Planted

I am the rose of Sharon, and the
lily of the valleys. As the lily among the thorns
is my love among thy daughters.
Song of Solomon 2:1,2

For years I've heard the term “Bloom where you are planted.” I think there are books and articles by that title, but in our spiritual culture especially, it's become a very familiar cliché. There's a great deal of spiritual truth associated with those words.

Recently Brian and I were driving through our favorite mountain cove where I saw something very interesting. Having been in that place so often, there are times when something different stands out. We passed by a small stream. In a part of that stream, the top of a tree had fallen some time back. It's branches through time turned bare and gray and many of the branches had become entwined and enmeshed, looking like the forces of the wind and stream had woven them tightly together. As we approached, there was something different that was quite obvious. I didn't think it was anything but a weed of some sort because weeds in that place are usually as beautiful as any rare flower of any type. The stalk of the weed was thick about looked to be at least two feet above it's unusual grounding. Perched on top of that tall stalk was a most beautiful bright red flower. The flower had the look of a lily.

There in that matted and very unlovely setting rose that green stalk with a gorgeous red flower perched on top. It was such an unlikely setting for something so beautiful and I have to wonder how many other passers by saw that flower that was blooming beautifully where God had planted it.




I thought of some Scripture heroes who found themselves planted in unusual settings and were asked to bloom where they were planted. I think of Moses...raised in a palace. He had everything possible available to him. He was the promised future ruler. The world bowed at his feet. Through some circumstances though, Moses found himself tending flocks of sheep in a wilderness area. I'm sure there were times he looked back and wondered how such a perfect life could come so unglued. He must have also wondered if that wilderness was all there would ever be to his life. He might wonder, that is, until he had an encounter with a burning bush and the great I AM who spoke through it. He found he would be something else for God, but for those many years, he was put in an unlovely place to bloom where God had planted him.


Young David was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd boy which was a job that usually fell to the youngest of brothers. Samuel came to him when he was very young, anointing David to be the next king. When that was finished, though, David returned to his flocks for a time. He must have wondered in confusion what was going on. There he was in a desert area with smelly sheep. He had no idea what life would bring, but did whatever job he was asked to do, even when called to the palace to encourage King Saul who was in the depths of depression. David bloomed wherever he was called to be.


We read of apostles in the New Testament, whether on trial, being abused and even imprisoned, but who bloomed in the most difficult of circumstances. Even in prison, God's men sang praises to God. I wonder if most of us could do that.


We have seen others more in our own time who have bloomed where they were planted. I think of the ten Boom family, rescuing Jews from the Nazi's. They were such a blessing in that process but even when the sisters were sent to a concentration camp, the bloomed there through their Bible studies and the spiritual encouragement they showered on other prisoners. Who would have thought such beauty could burst forth in a horrible place like a German concentration camp.


There are Christians across the eastern part of our world who are suffering and dying for their faith. We have seen pictures of people being led to their deaths for their faith. In comparison to them, we Christians in our own country so often fail to stand for spiritual principles when we have the opportunity. We don't want to be embarrassed or make anyone angry. We are more than aware of political correctness and offending others. We've been planted where we are for purpose. We may be the only flower showing forth Christ in a messed up world, but in His reasoning and purpose for our lives, we are where we are...so blossom we must.

More than any of the above, I think of that precious Rose of Sharon Who came from the glory of Heaven. He knew nothing but sweet fellowship with His Father, the angelic choir's anthems ringing in His ears along with all of the perfection of that place. But the day came when Jesus' Father indicated that it was time for Jesus' to leave. He came to earth, sin soaked with evil in every place to save people from their sins. Jesus bloomed in this most unusual place. He was planted on a cross. It was an odd place for one to blossom, but He did. There was never another blossom like that one. That blessed blossom came to even greater fruition and beauty the day He rose from the grave for you and me. No matter our circumstances...good or bad...may we bloom to our fullest where God has planted us for His honor and glory.

Dear Father, I must admit I have questioned at times why You put me in places I didn't understand at the time. Looking back, your purposes are now clear. Every time You have planted me, You've nurtured me in my growth in You and I'm grateful for Your teaching. Thank You for how You continue to work in my life. In Jesus' precious name....Amen