I went for walk on some local trails the other day and there came portion of the trail where I was completely surrounded by nothing except trees and the small path that was leading me deeper into the unfamiliar woods. When I stopped, I took a moment to look around and I realized that the trees were so high that they almost completely covered my view of the sky.
I began thinking about how all of those trees all began the same way- from just one tiny seed. Yet over years of nourishment and water, these seeds were able to bloom into strong towering trees. Regardless of the rocky soil, competing plant life, and humans trekking through, they were able to overcome the obstacles to thrive in this environment.
When I think back to all the influential women in my life that have significantly impacted my spiritual journey, they all seem like those strong trees. They are rooted deeply in the Lord’s word every day. They provide a strong support system for their family and friends around them. The fruit of their lives is extremely evident and encouraging.
When we look around, it can often feel like we are a small acorn surrounded by mighty oaks. When I look at trees, I only see the finished product that is before me- I don’t see the years of difficulties and the seasons of struggle that took place. In that same way, when I think about those influential women, I am only seeing the end product of their journey. I am only seeing the fruits of their lives, not the struggles it took to get them to grow. I am seeing their flourishing marriages, not the years of counseling sessions and late night talks working on communication. I am seeing their careers flourishing, not the prayerful moments of them asking the Lord to provide them with a miracle to pay the bills.
If we look to the Bible Psalm 1:3 gives us insight saying:
“He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
All Christians need to be like this tree and planted close to our power source- Jesus. As long as we seek to be watered every day, we will we grow tall and mighty, producing many fruits. Just like the evergreen trees in the middle of winter, regardless of what weather or obstacles our journey has for us, our leaves will not wither.
Even though I might not be a mighty oak at this very moment, I know that I have planted the acorn God has granted me near a stream of everlasting water. I have confidence that I will grow through life into the person God has made me to be. Have you been watering what God had entrusted to you? Or has is it time to dig up the dried roots and replant near the stream? Maybe it’s time to pick up the spade and freshly plant yourself near the steam of living water- Jesus Christ.
Written by Kori Warren: Kori Warren serves as a Guest Services Representative and recent graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a BA in Planning and Public Policy. She is passionate about serving the Lord and showing His love for the people around her.
