If you had told me 3 years ago that I would be battling cancer right now, I would have thought you were crazy. I never expected to face a life-threatening illness. I never imagined that would be a part of God’s plan for my life. But it is. And always has been. I’m fighting cancer and still managing to live a semi-normal life.
I’ve heard the phrase “bloom where you are planted” before, but I had never really thought about what it really meant until recently. I saw that quote somewhere and realized how much application that could have to me, right now, where I am. I’ve adopted it as my motto. To me, this means choosing to thrive in the environment God has placed me. Whether you’re a missionary in a foreign country, working a job that you hate, spending eight hours a day in school, or fighting a life-threatening illness, you are there for a specific purpose, to share Christ’s love with everyone you meet.
As Christians, we are called to be salt and light wherever we are. We don’t always get to choose what happens to us in this life, but we do get to choose how we respond to it. I could respond to cancer by moping and wallowing in self-pity. But who does that help? Certainly not me. I choose to seek comfort and joy in God, and He gives it to me. I choose to find the hidden blessings rather than question God’s goodness. And through all of this, I have come to know that God really is good all the time.
We are ensured there will be pain and suffering in this world. That’s guaranteed in John 16:33. It says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart: I have overcome the world.” Yes, there’s the part about tribulation, but the verse doesn’t just stop there. We can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. We shouldn’t dwell on our suffering because we have the joy of Christ.
Flowers don’t get to pick where the gardener plants them. Some flowers thrive in lots of sun, while some flowers need more shade. It’s up to the gardener to plant them where he knows they will thrive. And with the right care, they will bloom.
We don’t get to pick where God, our gardener, plants us. We have to trust that He knows where we will thrive; where we will bloom.
Taking heart in tribulation isn’t easy, but it is attainable. I’m not always happy about my situation. I get upset, frustrated, and down. But I know that focusing on the negatives will get me absolutely nowhere. But seeking joy and comfort are going to nourish me and strengthen me.
I wouldn’t have picked to be planted in cancer. But God knows that this is where I can bloom. God is a great gardener. He will never plant us where we can’t thrive. Sometimes he will move us, but he will always give us the right care that we need to blossom.
Thankful for this message! You are simply an amazing young lady that has touched so many of us through this journey. Praying always for you and family!
Your wonderful attitude will allow God to heal you, plus the many prayers lifted on your behalf. We continue to pray.
Absolutely love this!!
Maggie, I’ve always loved that quote, too, and I’m thankful you’ve chosen it as your own! You sure are blooming beautifully! May God continue to use the fertile soil in your servants heart!
Awesome!!!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your heart and thoughts! You have blessed and encouraged me! Love and prayers to you.
As we in south Louisiana wade through water maybe we will be beautiful water lilies for our God. Thanks for the encouragement at a hard time
Our prayers are with you. What a beautiful expression of faith in troubling times – water lilies – also one of my favorite flowers.
What an incredible post!!! Love and prayers!!
Thank you for your post! It definitely touched my heart. Continued prayers ??
So beautifully written! ? You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
And bloom you have! Thank you for this lovely message. We continue to lift you and your family in prayer.
What a sweet and sincere testimony that has touched so many. God planted you in His garden just so He could use you to reach others. Your reward is heavenly.