Crushed Like a Rose Pedal:

We may not be able to understand the specific reasons for God allowing certain experiences to crush us or wear us down, but we can be confident that his plan is for our good. You know it is when you crush the pedals of a Rose that you smell the strongest fragrance.

My friend, there are going to be times in our trials where we can see what God is doing and the purpose for our adversity; but there are also going to be times that we don't understand why God has allowed that trial into our lives. We don't understand why we are going through such pain or having to watch a loved one or a friend go through pain. It is in these times that we need to respond with humble faith, trusting God to work in our lives according to His plan and purpose. Proverbs 3:5-6

It is all about our attitude! When trials come, do you cry out and say 'Why God, why me!' and simply give up and turn your back on God? Or do you trust that God is in control of every aspect of your life and seek wisdom and guidance through the trial. Do you groan and complain or do you say 'Lord, I know you have a plan and a purpose for my life, teach me what you want me to learn through this, give me your eyes that I may see what you want me to see through this trial.' When our attitude is right, where we are seeking what God wants to show us and not dwelling on the circumstances themselves, then this is where we will grow spiritually, we will mature in our Christian walk. If we are able to look beyond the present trial and see the product God intends to produce through our suffering, we will experience an inner peace that only God can supply. Philippians 4:7 'And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' The path of life is not always an easy path to walk, but one thing we do know as it says in Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'. It is not through our own strength but through Christ who strengthens us. And that is what this is about. Learning to Trust God to sustain us and help us in our Christian Walk - total surrender of our life to Him.