Standing next to a majestic Sequoia tree I would appear to be a weed. These old, beauties are thousands of years old. I am amazed by these monstrous trees that have survived for so very long.I often think of myself as getting old, but in comparison, there really is none. There are days I don't think I will make it through the hour, but look at the Sequoia standing proud and tall. It has survived and is lasting this old weathered world we live in.
Ever look to something and think of yourself as small? When I open my eyes to all God is I know how small I really am. Kind of like standing next to one of these Sequoias. God is majestic, powerful and strong. What if in our faith, we really believed and stopped doubting all around us, what do you think would happen? We would be standing tall and majestic just as these beautiful trees.
Just as we have grown from babes, these trees also started out young, from seedlings and after years of growth, they are still standing tall. An image of faith for us to look at and see the majesty of God.
We can't expect to just grow tall in one day. Our faith will not reach mountains in one day. It is a process. A slow one with a long and winding road. It is reading God's word, soaking in the Son, living each day for Him, seeking Him, listening to His voice and keeping our eyes focused on Him. When we do all of these things it is like water to our thirsty souls.
Sometimes life can try to uproot us, smother us, drown us, and wash us away in the storm, but with a strong faith as big a the Sequoia, that isn't going to happen. We are going to weather the storm. We will stand tall in those strong winds, and even though our branches may twist and turn, they will not bend and break. With a Christ-like faith can we really go wrong? It is in that faith that we find ourselves. It is in that faith where we find the strength to continue. It is in that faith we find a Savior who went the longest mile for us, who stood in our shoes, and took our punishment for sin. In His bruises and spilled blood we can find ourselves, and we too can find redemption.
Christ wants us to stand tall. He sees our future and knows just what it will take to get us over those mountain tops and through the valleys. He gives us hope when we are running dry. He fills us with everything we need to grow into the people He has created us to be.
I might feel like a weed at times, but even those those weeds there is beauty, there is life, and there is purpose. Though everyone may not recognize the beauty you behold there is a God who does. It is through Him that we find life, meaning and purpose. It is in Him that we find the strength to live life, wisdom to seek the meaning, and hope to fill the purpose we were created for.
Stand tall today my friend. You are a child of the King! Each day may we look to Him, walk with Him, and as our faith grows we will grow. The more we grow the more we want to know. The more we want to know the more we continue growing. A process of growth is a long one. Before we reach the sky we must begin here on earth, as little saplings. The next time you see a sapling, you can look at it with a new found love. You can look upon that little sapling and see all the possibilities before you in a faith with Christ!
Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me."
Philippians 4:13 "For I can everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives power to weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
