A few years ago, we planted a small live oak in the back yard. As far as trees go, it was not a stunner. In fact, it was very unimpressive, and I thought about relocating it to a different part of the property.
Then, in 2021, the mother of all winter storms hit.
We were without power for days. And as the temperatures continued to plummet, I found myself trudging through snow and ice, carrying an axe to break the ice on the tanks so the livestock could get to water. It was a truly miserable experience for all of us. It was especially hard on the little live oak.
The heavy ice had bent the little tree all the way to the ground. I knew it was a goner.
Once the ice thawed, the tree was in incredibly bad shape, but, even with many broken branches, it survived, and today, it is thriving.
Don’t get me wrong. This tree is never going to be a stunner. The storm did real damage. But, having said that, Shannon fertilized and watered it back to health. It made it through the storm.
In your life, you will face storms that bend you all the way to the ground and do real damage. That’s what it is to live in a broken, fallen world.
The good news is you have a God who will see you through the storms of life, and give you healing, respite, and growth. The bad does not win – God does.
Twenty centuries ago, when God walked the earth as one of us, Jesus saw people who were afraid, damaged, and scarred by the storms of life. Knowing he was the only way they could find peace and healing, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
The storms of life are real, and I see them every day. Yesterday, I assisted in the funeral of a dear woman who leaves behind a grieving family, spoke to a husband who is desperate to get his wife medical care, and got a call from a member of our church whose husband unexpectedly lost his sister. She was pronounced brain dead last night.
No one is spared or exempt from the storms of life.
I pray you are in a good place, and you are sailing in calm waters. Just know, it doesn’t take long for waves for form and snap us out of our tranquil respite into the harsh realities of life.
But the One who walks on waters and calms the seas is walking with you.
The live oak tree in my back yard tells me the storms of life can leave a mark. My faith tells me the storms come and go but God stays. That’s all that really matters.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those hard moments of life, remind me you are the Great Physician. Heal my wounds and let me be with person you created me to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I was very thankful we didn’t have such a brutal winter this year. The warm weather is allowing that small tree to get thicker and stronger to deal with storms that will come.
As you grow in your faith and dependance on God, you too will be better prepared to navigate the future storms that will come. God will never abandon you. That’s because God is good.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 