LIKE A CACTUS

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, April 2024

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom. Isaiah 35:1

The desert is blooming, and I am rejoicing at all the beautiful wildflowers! My husband and I went for a desert walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum last weekend to enjoy all the wildflowers and cacti. It is amazing how unique and diverse the desert is with the variety of cacti which come in all shapes and sizes blooming in every color of the rainbow.

This reminds me of the people of God. All are diverse and gifted in special ways. We all thrive at times, and we all struggle at times. As we walked through the desert trail, I reflected on the cacti blooming where they were planted reminding me of a saying, “Be like a cactus.” Huh? A cactus is prickly, tough, and sharp. Yet they are also resilient, beautiful, and blossom in adverse conditions.

A few years ago, our Director of Children’s Ministry, Shannon Fossett, shared a volunteer gift including a cactus pen that said, “Remember to be like a cactus.” What does that entail? Well, I would love to share this with you because it’s still in my folder for my notes and work. Each time we see a cactus, which is every day in Phoenix, we can remember this guide from God’s word to live out our faith:

EMPHASIZE YOUR STRONG POINTS: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have receive to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

BE PATIENT DURING DRY SPELLS: “let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9

BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED: “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:13

STAY SHARP: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

LIFT YOUR HANDS IN PRAISE: “I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:4

Be like a cactus, Pastor Andrea