Being a Christian means that Jesus is in us by His Spirit, transforming us from glory to glory into his very likeness. But what about our physical bodies? If we are honest with ourselves somewhere in the background lingers the religious spirit that tells us that to think of the body is just vanity. It tells us that we are not to consider our physical bodies, as we are told to die to our flesh, right? Thats’ vanity, isn’t it? Well as I’m being honest with you I can come out and tell you what my first prayer to Jesus was when I became a Christian. “Lord, oh Lord, make me slim!”
Looking at the pictures of me on this site you will be thinking, well He hasn’t answered that prayer yet has he? Interestingly Jesus did answer my prayer by saying “I will do it, let me do it.” Over the years since that first prayer, He has healed many emotional wounds and amazingly, as part of my own story, he has changed my original prayer to be slim. However, for as long as I can remember I have felt big. I was a chubby child and in my teenage years, despite being of average size, I felt big. Then with having two children and comfort eating, well need I say more. Yes, I know I have a pretty face but when you are too big, that’s the last thing you want to hear. Together with my ‘special eye’, and me being partially sighted, oh boy have I struggled with my physical appearance!
You know, our God is awesome! What continually amazes me about Jesus and his teachings is how relevant they are. How can it be that the words of a Jewish man spoken over 2000 years ago still have the power to speak clearly and specifically into the lives of women today in the 21st century?!?
My experience began as I was reading my Bible…
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25 NIV)
I was doing my usual thing – I was crying out once again to God, reminding him of the promise he made to me all those years ago, when the Lord replied in an unusual way. In what I now call “The Flower Ministry”, the Holy Spirit led me into a ‘listening prayer’ session, where I had a conversation with God so to speak, He asked me three questions, (which you will find below), the answers to which have transformed the way I see myself and it is my joy to share them with you now.
So, if you were wondering, well, my favourite flower was easy for me. It is a Magnolia, the flower at the top of the page. I’ve always loved them because of their size. They are big but delicate in their colouring and form.
This is what I heard God say:
Abba:
“Mandy, a magnolia is big yes, She was made to stand out in a crowd. She doesn’t hide away, she is not hidden and her beauty stands boldly for all to see. Even from far away her beauty can be seen. She is Gorgeous!”
Jesus:
“I delight in the Magnolias delicacies, despite her size. The character of her colouring is subtle and gentle. She doesn’t need a strong fragrance because her physical presence is sufficient to draw others to her beauty.”
Wow, these words impacted me then and they still have the same power even now. I have been changed by them and now I see myself differently; I see myself as this Gorgeous Magnolia in the ‘Garden Heart of God’.
I’m now wondering if any of you have heard from God? Please let me know what you have heard, I would love to hear what the Lord has said to you. And in return, I offer you whatever the Holy Spirit gives me to encourage you too. Just send me your completed questionnaire and I’ll get back to you.
Here are just a few of the hundreds of ‘Flowers’ that the Lord has spoken to me about. His personal words to individual women …….
The dandelion, is a small plant, commonly found in lawns. It has a bright yellow flower that turns into a fragile seed head that easily disperses in the wind.
In the world’s eyes this little flower is only one thing, a weed! People want them removed from their gardens and go to great lengths to do so. This flower would never be chosen to be part of a bouquet. This flower is not wanted, not lovely or loved by the world.
BUT GOD THINKS AND FEELS OH SO DIFFERENTLY ABOUT THIS LITTLE FLOWER.
For He has a perfect place for you in His garden. God does not create weeds! You are wonderfully and perfectly made. Any good gardener knows that every plant has its place. Perfectly made.
This lovely little flower is very precious in God’s eyes and He loves it with a fierce love. You have been created to be resilient, to survive no matter what the conditions you find yourself in. You may be living in a hard place right now struggling even to lift your head. But you were made to be free. To be a wildflower and be free to bloom in the meadows of Gods Garden heart
In God’s heart you are part of a meadow of gold. Like a sheet of golden silk, He sees your beauty shining even in the dark places and He delights in you. And when you feel at your most fragile, just like the Dandelions seed head, do not lose hope little one. For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)
Abba:
Dear little one, Yes every little seed in that head is as one of my promises to you. Every little seed is as one of my good plans for you. Every little seed is as my expression of love just for you. Come little one, let my Holy Spirit blow my kisses upon your life. Come and meet my son Jesus, the only perfect man. Let him show you the way back into my garden. Come little one come.
With a never-ending love.
God, the Father Gardener x
This plant is small, low growing, most happiest planted along paths. It has many tiny little blue flowers and thrives in the springtime.
This is what I believe The Lord wants to tell you:
My darling girl, you are so sweet to me. You are my tiny treasure that no one sees. But I see you. You are gentle and kind. You grow in the low places. Don’t despise your position for this is where I plan for you to bloom!
You want to escape from your everyday circumstances because you so often get trampled on. People walk over you, Many times you are overlooked, you feel hidden away from life and you heart cries out. I am here, don’t you see me, DON’T FORGET ME! But my child, oh my special one. I have hidden you for a reason, hidden you for a season. Even though you are on the margins and you may feel that you sit on the side-lines never really entering into life. I declare to you, I am the God who sees, My name is El Roi, the God who sees.
And I have a purpose for where I’ve placed you. Your position gives you a unique opportunity to glorify my name, Even when you feel squashed by life, I smell your sweetness and delight in your beauty shining out right where you are. You don’t need to stand out to be precious in my Kingdom. In fact, even though you feel so small and insignificant you have a great task. Your calling to tell all those other people who feel the same way.
Tell them about Me. Tell them about my Son. Tell them about beautiful Jesus and his love. All I ask is that you trust me, I will lead you and teach you. You are NOT forgotten!
Be encouraged with:
God dosen’t forget you (Isaiah 49: 14-16)
El Roi- The God who sees (Gen 16:13)
See your whole being inside and out (Psalm 139)
Sees our situations and circumstances (Romans 8) He turns all things for the good …
Oh His little Cactus flower. You, the ones with the really fine glass sharp spines. These plants are almost impossible to touch without being pricked. At first glance they seem unapproachable with all of their defences standing on guard but God sees you differently.
The cactus has prickly spines yes, but they are there to protect the precious, soft heart that lies beneath. Although a bit scary to behold, the cactus produces the most beautiful of flowers with the sweetest nectar. The cactus is a very special plant, with a special purpose and a special positioning. Because it thrives in the desert, it is most comfortable living in the arid places that have little obvious nutrients or regular rainfall. This plant has a unique ability to hold water. Any survivalist will tell you that this plant helps because it offers living water to those who are dying of thirst.
If you are like this cactus, be mightily encouraged today. You have a unique place in the ‘Garden Heart’ of God. The desert was a place that Jesus was very familiar with. Yes, it was a place of testing for him but also a place of holy preparation. God uses desert time in the life of every believer. The Bible tells us in Hosea 2:14 that the Lord lead Israel into the desert so he could speak gently to her. So it is with you, darling girl.
If you are feeling like an uncomfortable prickly cactus right now, take heart my love. God has a great calling for you, a wonderful purpose to meet those on their desert journeys. To be a vessel of living water to those who thirst.
Be encouraged today, Psalm 139 says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Accept the Masters design. Trust God.
Isaiah 35: 1-2 (AMP)
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the rose and the autumn crocus.
It shall bloom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellency of (Mount) Carmel and (the plain) of Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty and splendour and excellency of our God. (Isaiah 35:1-2 AMP)
See, I’m doing a new thing, now it springs up, don’t you perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19. NIV)
The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. (Isiah 51:3 NIV)