Wilted roses

A young lady was surprised one day when she recieved a gift of roses from a wealthy woman in town. Upon opening the box she found to her surprise roses that were wilted and the petals falling off. 

Many things went through her mind assuming, for example, that the florist had failed to deliver them on time. Later that day she met the woman on the street and thanked her for the roses. The woman said, I’m gald you liked them. 

I cut them last Monday and enjoyed them all week but this morning when I noticed they were getting old and faded I thought of you and had them delivered to your house. 

Seeing the puzzled look and hurt in her eyes, she continued and said, “The other evening I was sitting in my car while my husband went into the store. As you walked by, I heard you tell someone that you wanted to become a Christian later, but not now while you were still young. You said you wanted to have a good time first. In other words you wished to give the Lord your life after the beauty, charm,, and vigor have faded and you have become old and wrinkled. I thought these roses would be an illistration of what you are doing in your relation to the Lord.”

We would never, with a clear mind , think about giving God the crumbs or leftovers but isn’t that what we do when we wish to postpone serving the Lord? 

We must never forget that God has feelings too, and rejecting His love has consequences. There may never be another day when our heart is as tender to His call as it is today. After one rejection, the next is easier. When the  Apostle Paul was discussing the Lord with Felix, his response was, “Go thy way and when I have a more convienent season I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:25) Let’s give give God our best right now while we have time and opportunity.