Fading Flower

“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭23:11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ http://bible.com/114/act.23.11.nkjv
In the context of human consideration and especially the companions of Apostle Paul, he could be likened to a fading flower. A fading flower may not necessarily suggest a detachment from the source of nutrients, it does appear to have exceeded the period of its flourishing strength. Even the response of the Jews to Paul's last defense of his faith appeared consistent with the resolve and readiness not only to be bound but to suffer and die in Jerusalem. However, his encounter with the Lord here appeared as a spiritual manure, providing the combination of a companionship with the Saviour, the comfort of the Spirit, and a compass for new service. The provisions from this spiritual renewal represent indispensable necessities for daily refreshment from unavoidable fading experiences in life. Otherwise, Paul would probably not appreciate nor act on the information about the plot of Jews from his nephew; and obviously, he would never have a new vision for additional exploits in Rome. Life apparently considered faded and irrelevant is most likely a reliable source of freshness and vitality, when fully surrendered for divine inspiration towards greater accomplishments. Therefore, in the context of God's commission and especially the companion of the Spirit, fading experiences does not represent an invitation to fruitlessness, but actually a new face of fruitfulness.

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