Long a tree has stood at the very edge of our neighbour’s property. Long has it endured the season’s storms. Lightning hit its heart recently, stripping bark off it, shattering pieces of bark across our driveway and lawn.
With daylight came the revealing of God’s strength and power. I sensed His presence there beneath the tree and listened for what His heart would share with me. He had sent us a very personal message that promised His protection and provision.
In this last half year, my husband and I have walked through the pain of our son’s suicide, my husband’s diagnosis of prostate cancer, the death of my Mum as well as the ongoing medical appointments that have each felt like a mini crisis. The storm has been unlike anything we ever imagined.
The tree stood before me, stripped bark hanging. Gleaming and glistening in the morning sun, hidden beneath the stripped bark lay beautiful, moist, fragrant wood.
‘’You are beautiful on the inside too because you have hidden My word within your heart and in doing so I have prepared you to walk in strength and victory, equipped to meet each challenge”, the heart of Jesus whispered to me as I stood beneath the tree.
When difficulty hits, people watch to see how we will behave, listen to the words we speak. Jesus told us to speak to our mountains boldly, not to quake in fear and anxiety. With Him by our side, we can face our storms with boldness. We must trust the reality of His presence with us at all times.
How do we learn to stand long in the face of adversity?
One of the most precious lessons I have learned during our season of suffering is in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. Although we feel hedged in, troubled and oppressed in many ways, we do not stay in that place. As we continue moving and walking in faith, God will continue to lead us.
Situations may perplex us and we may be unsure of the way out but we do not stay in an attitude of despair. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
We are never struck down and destroyed because the Lord holds us upright by His mighty right hand.
The wonder of it is that the Lord shines His light in the darkness of our days; He reveals the majesty and glory of Jesus to us. We in turn, reveal the beauty and majesty of Jesus to the world around us who marvel at the grace we exhibit as we live out our faith.
It is not easy but as we trust, the Lord gives us a measure of peace and joy that strengthens our faith. As we seek the Lord, we find Him. As we move forward, the Red Sea parts before us as daily we learn to trust in the Lord with all of our heart and lean not upon our own understanding.