Oak Tree in the Storm

Just as there are seasons in the environment, there are seasons in our lives. Just like the outside elements can be threatening or non-threatening, so also the elements in our lives. There are clear blue sky days and there are dark cloudy and stormy days.

When there is strong shelter around during a severe storm one can take refuge in it against the storm that rages outside. If the shelter is strong enough, a small tornado wouldn't even take it out. We people are blessed to be able to get out of the storm. Plant life is not so lucky. Trees, flowers, and grass have nowhere to go. The tiny oak sprout is planted where it is planted The Creator and will surprisingly take a good beating and keep on growing. They are pretty tough. I heard that as the oak tree grows larger and as the storms come against it over time, the roots of the oak tree grow deeper and the tree gets stronger. The winds blows and shakes the tree a bit and the roots go deeper.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should observe the oak tree and learn to be like one during the storms of life. Financial hardship, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, etc. These elements that batter against us are to makes us stronger in Jesus. HE is the soil/foundation we have been planted in. Our roots must grow deeper and deeper into Him as we suffer trials. When my life is through, I want to be likened to the oak tree that stood its ground, was firmly planted, and withstood the stormed over the past couple of hundred years.

It's a generational thing I wish to pass on to my children and theirs.

May God remind us of the oak tree during a storm. May we dive into Him head first when we are being battered. May we find shelter in Him but also be found a BIG and STRONG tree.