Beauty in the Wilderness: Lessons from a Thistle
When God Sends Unexpected Reminders
Sometimes God sends reminders in the most unexpected places. Yesterday, it was a thistle.
Thistles bloom where most things wither—dry, trampled soil, forgotten corners where rain hasn’t fallen in ages. They’re tough. Resilient. And in their own prickly way, strikingly beautiful.
Carrying Hard Things
Lately, it feels like everyone I know is walking through something heavy:
loss
waiting
chronic illness
spiritual fatigue
strained relationships
fear
We’re all carrying something. I am too.
These are the things that strip you down and leave you wondering if anything good could ever grow again.
And then—there was that thistle. Blooming in the harshest, driest place. Where nothing should grow. But it did.
God’s Reminder in the Wilderness
That thistle reminded me of this truth:
Suffering doesn’t get the final word.
In Christ, nothing is wasted.
Not the wilderness. Not the aching. Not the tear-streaked prayers that whisper, “Thy will be done.”
He sees it all.
He holds it all.
He uses it all.
We often picture spiritual growth as an upward climb. But more often, it’s a descent—into the soil, into surrender, into deeper roots.
Blooming in Hard Places
Even in the wilderness, He brings forth bloom.
Even when we’re tired and prickly, He’s working.
Even when all we have is trembling trust—He honors it.
Romans 5:3–4 reminds us:
“We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
This hope isn’t naive. It doesn’t skip the pain. It’s been tested, watered by tears, and held by grace.
A Reflection for You
So if you’re walking through a wilderness season, let the thistle remind you: Even here, even now, beauty can still break through. 🌾
Reflection:
Where in your life does it feel like “nothing can grow”?
What signs of grace has God shown you in hard places?
What would it look like to offer Him your trembling trust?
Meet the Author
Amy Bunting
Amy is a sinner saved by grace, learning to live with joy even when life is hard. She’s been married to Bradley for nearly 25 years and is the mother of four — with one still (barely) in the nest.
Her family has walked through deep valleys, including her daughter’s chronic illness. Through it all, Amy has come to know the peace and faithfulness of Jesus in a deeply personal way as she learns to surrender.
She writes to offer the same hope and encouragement she’s received — quiet reminders that we are not alone, and that God is still good.
When she’s not writing, Amy teaches second grade! She hopes her students catch a glimpse of Jesus as she helps them to feel seen and loved.
Connect with her on Instagram here.
