Weekend Worship—Beautiful Colors

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the cool, crisp days that bring relief from summer’s heat. But most of all, I love the beautiful colors adorning the trees in our Blue Ridge Mountains. My husband and I get great joy from driving through the mountains to see the changing leaves. It always amazes me how vibrant the colors are, and until recently, I took that beauty for granted.

A few days ago I discovered what determines the intensity and brilliance of the colors—it’s in direct response to the amount of stress the tree has suffered during the previous season. That knowledge stopped me in my tracks. Think about it, the hotter and drier the summer, the brighter the colors come fall.

Inevitably I began to think about people around me who’ve suffered intense pain and come through triumphant. I realized God works the same transformation in their lives, bringing beauty where once there was strife. The more God works through their stress and suffering—the more vibrantly His brilliance shines through them.

Now this knowledge leads me to a choice. Will I fight God’s plan and seek the path of least resistance—the path that leads to a life without color? Or will I let God transform my trials and tribulations into brilliance?

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5