Isaiah 61:3“… that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.” Trees of righteousness can only grow mighty by trials and challenges. This past spring we saw devastating storms and winds throughout the Midwest, which leveled towns and uprooted the landscape. However, I was amazed to see that even in the midst of such destructive power, sometimes the only thing left standing was a great tree. Arborists tell us that storms stimulate the growth of trees so that they will send their roots deep into the earth. They tell us that extreme weather conditions make for a strong and productive tree. So what can we learn from this? We are often worried and troubled by the storms of life, but it is then that we must learn to trust in God, knowing that we are about to grow stronger and deeper. If we would learn to reach heavenward and leave it all to Him, to look to Him alone who brings the tempests in life with all of their challenges, then we will grow in strength. Have you noticed that those who have endured great difficulties have a deeper rest and a calmer spirit about them? What is their secret? The answer is that they have surrendered themselves to His will. They have come to rest in His righteousness and by doing so have taken on His peace in the midst of a storm. The next time the wind blows and you are tempted to worry, remember that the Lord is at work in your life, and all that is raging around you has been perfectly arranged. When we surrender to His righteousness and trust Him, even the sound of the wind can become a comfort to our ears as we look forward to what great thing He is about to do. As the storms come to us, so does His righteousness. It is then that you and I are made stronger. Pastor Jack Have you been blessed by Pastor Jack’s Devotions? Email us now: CLICK HERE |
