Nothing As Lovely As A Tree!

I saw something on the internet that caught my attention today while checking my email. The article was talking about global warming and several things were mentioned that contradicts the global warming theory. The thing that stuck out to me was about the trees and the tree rings that are contained in them. These rings show not only the age of the tree but also the conditions in which these trees grew during those years. The rings are wider when the conditions are good and thinner when they are difficult. The thing they notice is that they see cycles when the trees do well and when they don't. The bad conditions show up every so often then years of good conditions. This blog isn't about the issue of global warming but rather about the trees.

If you think about it, we are much like the trees. The trees do not always have good growing conditions. They go through dry periods as well as times of ample rain and water allowing for excellent growth. The key is that even in the dry times they still grow! We are much like the trees in that we face both good times and bad. But it doesn't matter whether we are enjoying good times or struggling through the tough times. I do not know where it started but some folks think that when you become a Christian you no longer have any problems or difficulties. That is not the case. God never said that we would sail through life with a peaceful breeze in our sails and calm seas. What He did promise is that He would be with us through the storms of life as well as the serene times. We still grow under any conditions. The problem I see that faces us is that we need to accept the good times and the difficult times from God. He allows them to come to test our faith and to conform us into His Son's image. Faith without testing will never grow. It grows in adversity because we are dependent on Him to see us through. The only time a tree stops growing is when the roots die and no longer take in the water and the needed nutrients. We will die spiritually if we do not remain in a life changing relationship with Christ. Remember that He is the Vine (and His roots will never die) and we are the branches!

So when you look at a tree think about the times it must have seen and all the dry periods in its life and realize it is still here and growing. God has saved you and will help you grow in Him no matter what you face if you place your trust in Him! Don't forget that a mighty oak starts from a little old acorn! Imagine what God can do with you!