Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Recently we were having some wild rainstorms passing through and at times the wind was quite strong. Our home stands among gum trees (eucalypts), of varying age, and it was interesting to watch the wind effects on the trees. The young trees with their thinner trunks were bending over in the winds but the two large tree trunks I could see from my window were standing strong, unmoved by the onslaught.
I was reminded of this Bible verse which uses the illustration of a tree being like the man who trusts the Lord. When the drought comes the tree is not affected because it’s developed a strong root system under the ground and can draw on the nearby stream when necessary.
The young trees in my garden can be likened to young believers. In stormy times they get tossed to and fro in the winds of adversity which come at various times and seasons of life. Just as the natural wind causes a tree to develop strength and become firmly rooted in the ground, in the same way adversity in our lives can develop and mature us if we stay firm, trusting in the Lord.
James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.”
I cannot say that I have ever found it easy to consider my trials ‘pure joy’, but I know that over time I have learned that I need these ‘stretching times’ in order to strengthen and mature me. As I choose to trust God in those times, and commit my way to him, I find that praise comes more easily to my lips and peace to my heart. In knowing God has a purpose in the difficulties, we are given strength to stand through them.
If our faith is to mature and be strengthened it must be tested. Trials are God’s grace for growth in our lives. Just as we have to stand by and watch our children experience difficulties in learning to crawl, then walk, then run, so our loving Father watches over us, allowing us to fall and rise again…. and again…. and sometimes, again! Like a loving parent, he is never very far awa,y but he needs to let us do it ourselves.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for the trials of life. Help me to have a correct perspective when difficulties arise and help me to learn to trust you increasingly so that I grow strong and mature. Amen
