Sermon Illustrations

Open the Rose

A young, new preacher was walking with an older, more seasoned preacher in the garden one day and feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was inquiring of the older preacher. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the WILL OF GOD for his life and for his ministry. Because of his high respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to TRY to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact...It wasn’t long before he realized how it was impossible to do so.

Noticing the younger preacher’s inability to unfold the rosebud while keeping it intact, the older preacher began to tell the following poem...

It is only a tiny rosebud,

A flower of God’s design;

But I cannot unfold the petals

With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers

Is not known to such as I.

GOD opens this flower so sweetly,

When in my hands they fade and die.

If I...

Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • Hope In The Midst Of Chaos Series

    Contributed by Pat Damiani on Sep 13, 2010
    based on 5 ratings
     | 26,438 views

    We can have hope in the midst of chaos because God knows us, protects us and equips us.

  • After Easter - Then What?

    Contributed by Andy Grossman on Mar 28, 2008
    based on 4 ratings
     | 23,105 views

    A week after Easter what was the Church doing? Some were doubting. Some were pondering what happened. Some were seeking the Holy Spirit.

  • The Strength To Do The Impossible

    Contributed by Gene Gregory on Aug 6, 2007
    based on 13 ratings
     | 19,939 views

    A look at the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives to empower us to accomplish the Great Commission. There is a long introduction. The primary passage is not introduced till nearly 1/2 through the message. Expanded outline.

  • Into The Wilderness Series

    Contributed by Chris Kelly on Jul 5, 2012
    based on 4 ratings
     | 19,032 views

    What I at first thought was a dry and boring book with no relevance to my life, turned out to be one of the most profound and exciting books in the bible, with full of application to my life! Learn how to make it through the "wilderness" of this life suc

  • What Is The Promise You Are Waiting To See? Series

    Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 8, 2012
    based on 5 ratings
     | 17,540 views

    Looking at the life of Christ, is something that is essential for every believer. To help us grow in our understanding of Him & our relationship with Him. Over the days, weeks, months, years, centuries, that you have been in church, you have probably l