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 Flexible Trees
by Mike Barres
We have built a home on some property that is densely wooded. The trees are mature trees and most of them are very tall. When the wind blows, you can see and hear the trees sway. Watching these trees through the changing seasons has reminded me of a few truths. The Lord built a lot of flexibility in to those trees. The reason that they don't break is because they are flexible. We must be flexible with the storms and changes of life, too. Our ability to survive is because of Jesus, who gives us strength to face any circumstance. Listen to how Paul described his ability to be flexible: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13 NKJV). I also noticed that during the winter, after most of the leaves have fallen off, there are a few trees that still have growth on them. These trees are affected by the wind the most. We may naively think that if we are mature Christians, with growth, that storms won't come our way. The devil may well attack mature Christians, because they are a threat to him. The good news is that we will overcome him. John reassured early Christians, "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4 NKJV).
Another reason that the trees don't topple over is that their root systems are intertwined with the roots of other trees. Our fellowship with other Christians will strengthen us. The Holy Spirit challenges us with these words: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25). Let's be sure that we are standing solidly on the Rock, who is Jesus Christ, so that we can withstand the storms of life. Jesus said: "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall" (Matthew 7:24-27).
Title: "Flexible Trees" Author: Mike Barres Publication Date: January 17, 2008 |
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