How Strong Are You?

Scrolling through Pinterest this morning after my devotions I came upon this image.  I was captivated by it.  For one, I love anything to do with trees.  For another, this image has such a powerful message.  Of course I saved it to my camera roll and gazed upon it throughout the day and it was in a conversation I had with my mother when things began to reveal themselves.

On the surface is seen a wilted, tired tree. One that has quite possibly endured a hardship that stripped everything comfortable and pleasing to it.  It is bent by the weight of what the world has dumped upon it and deserted it in complete isolation.  It isn't much different than you or I when we are in our own trials.  Things of this world are just too heavy and hard for us to handle and strip us from what we feel make us beautiful and comfortable in our own skins.  We all experience these circumstances in life, none of us are exempt.  I do have exciting news to share...we don't have to go through these trials alone!  Jesus Christ is our Savior and He will either deliver us from the trials or through the trials, but one thing is for sure...He WILL deliver us.

Below the surface is unseen.  It's the most beautiful part of the faith-filled believer!  As you seek God, trusting Him with every aspect of your life roots begin to take and grow.  The more you trust and pursue, those roots dig down deeper and weave into the soil taking anchor.  As you become more obedient to His calling upon your life even when it is absolutely difficult and challenging, those roots push their way through the hard-pan soil expanding and growing becoming a most beautiful site.  Our circumstance on the surface may not have changed in the slightest, but those roots continue to grow anchoring us to keep us planted so that we won't waver when storms blow our way.  We become solid and whole in Him.  He gives us a promise in Jeremiah 17:7-8, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream."

When the storms of life do come and toss us to and fro then we have the confidence in knowing that we are anchored in Christ with our deep grounded roots that have been planted in Him through our Faith and His Promises and His great love for us.  Hebrews 6:19 reminds us, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  That's Jesus for you.  Always keeping us tucked in His loving arms protecting us and strengthening us in times of hardship.  Psalm 91:4 tells us, " He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."  *Side note - I needed to look up rampart just because it's not in my everyday language and it's pretty cool!  Rampart:  a protective barrier. Jesus is our Shield and our Protective Barrier!!

I'll take this stuff any day.  On the surface is for just a season. Season's change.  They come and go.  Some longer than others.  The tree will eventually begin to grow leaves becoming lush and green.  Bearing ripe gorgeous fruit for others to feast upon.  The same is true of us.  We begin to grow and prospering in our lives and bearing fruit that Christ has for us to share.  Others benefit as well and are blessed by it.  Are you strong enough to endure the first slight winds that hit you before you go running?  Are you willing to pursue Christ, allowing Him to grow roots in you that are quite uncomfortable and painful at times?  Are you willing to be obedient to Christ despite your surface circumstance to be anchored in Him?  

Now, take a look at this tree.  This tree is how the world lives.  Such emphasis put on the surface.  There's got to be beauty abounding for all to see.  I've got to be a certain size because all my friends are that size or smaller.  I need that house because it's in the best neighborhood.  That car is the BOMB!  I would look so cool in it, wouldn't I?! I gotta HAVE, I NEED, I WANT.

Well, I have to say, it sure does look pretty.  It is nice and not bad to look at.  But what happens when a life storm comes?  What is anchoring all the stuff on the surface?  Is it the new job or the ski boat?  The beach house or the vacation trips?  This new gal/guy instead of my ex-spouse?  Unfortunately, this world doesn't make room or time for Christ.  When that happens the roots are shallow and in soft ground.  Turmoil easily disrupts any part of this tree at any moment.  It quickly crumbles at the slightest hardship. The first sign of a storm the tree is uprooted and gone.  It's top heavy with nothing to anchor it and supporting it, securing it to it's foundation.  Families destroyed. Lives hurt.  Proverbs 1:27 says, "...when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you." It goes on to say in verse 29 finishing in verse 31, "Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices." What is left to give to others if you're searching for the next best thing yourself?   God ends with a promise to believers in verse 33, "...but whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster."

Hmmm,  I don't know about you but after reading that section of Scripture I know that I most definitely want to pursue planting roots below the surface big time! Anchoring myself to the One Most High who gives me Promise after Promise and follows through on them every time!   God appointed each of us to this world with a purpose.  The enemy also appointed the world to us but with a much different agenda.  Which influence will win out?  Will you influence the world being rooted in Christ?  Or will the world influence you?

Think about it.  Pray about it.  Do something.  Be great in Him!

Take care and Be Blessed,

Christy Krezman
4/24/2013