Looking back to Spring last year there was so much hope and promise to our surroundings. The grass was lush. Last year the white clover flourished in abundance. The horses were so happy with the tender white blooms and the clover leaves. There was food aplenty for all and the horses became fat and sassy. Spring gave way to Summer and Summer finally gave way to hot and dry weather. By August the ground was dry and the vegetation began to dwindle away as horses and cows grazed 24/7. All of us remember the hot dry weather of 2010 around Taylorsville, Kentucky.
Now we are in the throws of Winter here and it would be pleasant to go back to last Spring when riding was easy and everyone was comfortable. Stepping outside each morning seems to bring a chill to my bones. As I step off the deck and into the yard to go run water to the lower field of horses, the wind cuts me into. The blowing cold air quickly penetrates to my skin and standing there for a few minutes is uncomfortable. What does the stress of life do for us instead of do to us. What about the mighty oak trees that have stood the test of time.
Often mighty oaks grow in places where the soil is not so deep. They grow among the rocky hillsides where water is not so plentiful. They have been standing tall in all kinds of weather for years. The strong winds blow them and their powerful branches sway in the wind. The sun beats down on them in the hot Summer but their roots continue to draw a fresh drink of water for them each day. The leaves get blown about. They are exposed to the intense rays of the sun. Year after year the leaves provide ingredients for the trunk and roots to survive another year.
Now think about the box elder tree. Oftentimes it grows in the lowlands where there is rich fertile soil. It springs up quickly and becomes a tree in only a few short years. Its branches are thick on the trunk and it has a canopy of leaves. It looks pretty impressive in its array of greenery and the speed in which it becomes full grown. But, how does it stand the test of time?
The same powerful winds the strengthen the oak can have a much different effect on the box elder. Those same winds will often times break the box elder to pieces. That is true for people too. The same problems that help one person to become stronger could devastate another. Why is this? Like the oak some people grow in harsh conditions and learn to stand strong in the face of adversity. However, others grow up in tender conditions and seem to flourish, but, when hard times surround them they don't have the strength acquired over time they need to withstand the winds of hardship.
Whether we have been used to adversity or prosperity we can all go to the Lord for help in time of need. The person used to adversity likely has approached God most of their life for that needed help. The person who has had a life of ease oftentimes has had no need for God to be by their side to help. While it may be more difficult for some to approach God, we all have access to His ear. Maybe none of this applies to you. But, one thing for sure God is waiting for us to call out to Him.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the One to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
(Hebrews 4:13-16 NLT)
If you are in Summer call out to God. If you are in a Winter season call out to God. Whether you are in prosperity or adversity lean on Him.
Be Blessed and Remember God loves you and Jesus died for you.
bob
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