Standing Firm

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:58

Sunflowers.  If there is one flower that I am in total awe of, it is the sunflower.  There are so many aspects of this flower that amaze me:

• The height - some sunflowers can get as high as 6-10 feet  
• The size - the sunflower itself can be huge
• The use - the flower can be used as sunflower seeds, oils, even to create paint

With everything so majestic about the sunflower, I believe what amazes me most is the stalk.  Although not nearly as "glamorous" as the sunflower itself, the stalk is amazing.  The stalk helps the flower to stand firm.  Very few sunflowers "droop" with their weight or even during difficult weather.  Typically, the flower stands tall with the help of the stalk.  

Looking at the sunflower, I am reminded of how we can stand firm, like the sunflower, in our daily lives.  With Jesus as our stalk, we are able to stand tall against the difficulties of this world.  Whether it is temptations, trials or tribulations, we are able to stand firm in the knowledge that Jesus is holding us up and not letting us droop.  He continues to give us nutrients and strength to be useful in His kingdom.  Whatever our labor, Jesus is there to support us so that we can do His will and walk in His ways.

The next time you see a sunflower, be reminded of how useful you can be to those around you - extend a helpful hand.  Stand tall against the evils that are around you and know that if you face tough times, the strength of Jesus will lift you up so your sun can shine for others.

Dearest Jesus, thank you for the sunflower.  May we learn from this majestic flower how we can stand tall in your love - holding us up so we can help others.  Bring strength to all of us!  In your name we pray.  Amen.