Lily Among Thorns

I want to share with you what has been on my mind lately. I came across a scripture the other day that really stood out to me. Song of Solomon 2:2 says, "But Solomon replied, Like the lily among thorns, so are you, my love, among the daughters." (AMP)
What exactly does it mean to be a lily among thorns though? I recently read a book that emphasized being a "lily white princess" in the eyes of our Father. Leslie described "lily whiteness" as being washed clean, whiter than snow, and to remove sin's residue from our inner being; to be set apart.
Earlier today, I asked some of my Twitter followers to describe to me what it meant to be a set apart christian. Here are some of their answers:

1.) To be in the world, but not of it.

2.) To be real. Not hypocritical.

3.) Living a Godly lifestyle, without allowing yourself to be persuaded by the world.

My challenge to you is to become one of the few in this generation: a set apart young woman (or man) who allows the passionate intimacy she experiences with her Prince (God) to completely transform every other area of her life. This kind of fairy-tale romance between a young woman and her true Prince does not come without sacrifice. It does not come without pain. But it is the most priceless gift we will ever be offered. And it is the most beautiful, fulfilling existence we could ever know or imagine.

As we seek to live the set apart life, we will not likely be understood or appreciated by the world around us, and often not even the christian world. But we are not on this journey alone. Our heroic Prince is with us. He is tenderly shaping us into His princesses-lilies among thorns in this generation. In His presence is the fullness of joy. Live for His applause alone.
#Captivating


"Trust Me, My child." He says. "Trust Me with a fuller abandon than you ever have before. Trust Me, as minute succeeds minute, every day of your life, for as long as you live. And if you become conscious of anything hindering our relationship, do not hurt Me by turning away from Me. Draw all the closer to Me, come, run to Me. Allow Me to hide you, to protect you, even from yourself. Tell Me your deepest cares, your every trouble. Trust Me to keep my hand upon you. I will never leave you. I will shape you, mold you, and perfect you. Do not fear, O child of My love, do not fear. I love you."

-Amy Carmichael