I don't see peppermint petunias very often. But these petunias bring to mind the "legend of the Christmas Candy Canes". The story is that the white of the cane represents the purity of Jesus Christ and the red stripes are for the blood that He shed when he died on the cross. And the peppermint flavor represents the hyssop plant that was used for purifying in the Bible.
Without God, we have no hope. During my devotion today, I read these words, "people can live without many things, but they cannot live without hope". Sometimes that is all that we have.
I have so many family members and friends that are going through some difficult times. I have several friends that have been diagnosed with cancer in the past several years and have gone through surgery and treatment. Other friends that are grieving from a death of a family member; some are having marriage problems and others that have lost their jobs. There is so much pain in the world.
When people are going through these times, what do you say? You can feel their loss, but you can't fell their emotions/pain as they walk through this journey.
God is not trying to destroy someone as they walk through these hardships, but He is trying to get them to grow. While we suffer, we have to have "hope" and know that God is merciful. He is with us.
Jeremiah 29:11-12 states "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will call upon me and pray and I will listen."
Jesus tells us when we feel hopeless and afraid, look to Him. He is the source of hope and promises.
We need to remember as we experience illnesses; a job loss; problems with your marriage or going through persecution, that this life is not all there is. There is life after death!
So today as I go through my challenges and think of my friend's challenges, I will keep my eyes on Jesus. He is the only answer!
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