Strength and Endurance
**See what people are saying about today’s devotional…and add your thoughts: http://talk.thelife.com/2006/11/20/strength-and-endurance/
by Helen Lescheid
“To comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor” ( Isaiah 61:2b – 4 ).
When I planted a tiny oak tree in my backyard, my life was in shambles. I had suffered one cruel loss after another and I wondered if life would ever be “normal” again.
Seeking comfort, I often read the above Scripture verses. God was saying to me, “I will bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You will be called an oak of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Wanting a visual reminder of this promise, I planted a sapling of an oak.
Why an oak tree? For ages, the oak tree has symbolized sturdiness and strength. Some of you may have heard of the famous Chortitza Oak in Ukraine. More than 800 years old, it has survived many natural disasters like severe Russian winters and man – made disasters like world wars and revolutions. To the Mennonites who settled the area in 1789, it became a focal point for the community, a symbol of hope and strength.
Through the symbol of an oak tree, God was saying to me, “I have planted you, will I not look after you? I orchestrate the storms in your life, not to destroy you, but to strengthen you. Keep your roots deep in the water of my Word and you will survive this storm. You will become stronger than you were before, and in your shade others will find solace.”
Now years later, my tree has grown and so have I.
~Thank you, Father, that you are in charge of all of life – the good and the bad. As a good Gardener, you are watching over me. You will give me everything I need not only to survive, but to triumph. With my roots deep in your water, I will stand firm to the display of your splendor.
About the Author
This devotional was written by Helen Lescheid. Learn more about Helen: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/helen-lescheid/
Going Deeper
1. Consider these questions: What storm are you in the midst of today or recently? How do these storms strengthen us? How do we survive these storms as a Christian?
2. Comment on the devotional blog. Interact with others who are reading today’s devotional. Visit http://talk.thelife.com/ and double click on “Comment??? (just under the devotional title).
3. Chat: Join us for a 15-minute chat at 10:30 am Eastern, 7:30 am Pacific: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/chat
4. Related reading
A place of refuge from life’s storms: http://www.christianwomentoday.com/training/christiehtestimony.html
Copyright
This devotional is protected by copyright laws and may not be reprinted or posted to a site without permission from TruthMedia Internet Group. All readers are welcome to forward the devotional to a friend or link to it. If you would like to seek permission to reprint the devotional in full, please see our guidelines: http://talk.thelife.com/reprint-permission/
7 Responses to “Strength and Endurance”
Leave a Reply
Start a Conversation
Media
What Do You Fear?
What do you fear, and why? Is it holding you back from realizing your full potential?
>Watch
- Contact
- |
- Advertising
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Link to Us
- |
- Media Releases
- |
- What we believe
I truly thank the Lord for that scripture. It has been all that to me in my life during my trials and tribulations, and I have had many of them. I was given a metaphor when I was going through and the the Lord used the tree as an illustration in my life. It was the palm tree who also can endure many storms and yet survive. The Lord spoke and told me, to study the palm tree and I did just that. In a storm, the palm tree is bent over and is swaying as though it is going to break in half. The swaying back and forth is throwing off all the troubles out of your life and becoming such a strong tree. Some of the palms are broken off and are thrown into the sea of forgetfulness are those things or people that were in your life that meant you no good. The age of the tree shows the maturity and wisdom that has endured many hardships , to be an true and alive witness for the Lord. Also the palm tree is one of the most beautiful trees that exist and the beauty remains in spite of. God has been my shelter and has had me under the shadow of his mighty wings. Be steadfast and unmoveable, and he will do the same for you. Thank you Lord. Betty
I truly thank the Lord for that scripture. It has been all that to me in my life during my trials and tribulations, and I have had many of them. I was given a metaphor when I was going through and the the Lord used the tree as an illustration in my life. It was the palm tree who also can endure many storms and yet survive. The Lord spoke and told me, to study the palm tree and I did just that. In a storm, the palm tree is bent over and is swaying as though it is going to break in half. The swaying back and forth is throwing off all the troubles out of your life and becoming such a strong tree. Some of the palms are broken off and are thrown into the sea of forgetfulness are those things or people that were in your life that meant you no good. The age of the tree shows the maturity and wisdom that has endured many hardships , to be an true and alive witness for the Lord. Also the palm tree is one of the most beautiful trees that exist and the beauty remains in spite of. God has been my shelter and has had me under the shadow of his mighty wings. Thank God I have been able to survive every storm in my life. Be steadfast and unmoveable, and he will do the same for you. Thank you Lord. Betty
I truly thank the Lord for that scripture. It has been all that to me in my life during my trials and tribulations, and I have had many of them. I was given a metaphor when I was going through and the the Lord used the tree as an illustration in my life. It was the palm tree who also can endure many storms and yet survive. The Lord spoke and told me, to study the palm tree and I did just that. In a storm, the palm tree is bent over and is swaying as though it is going to break in half. The swaying back and forth is throwing off all the troubles out of your life and becoming such a strong tree. Some of the palms are broken off and are thrown into the sea of forgetfulness are those things or people that were in your life that meant you no good. The age of the tree shows the maturity and wisdom that has endured many hardships , to be an true and alive witness for the Lord. Also the palm tree is one of the most beautiful trees that exist and the beauty remains in spite of. God has been my shelter and has had me under the shadow of his mighty wings. Thank God I have been able to survive every storm in my life. Be steadfast and unmoveable, and he will do the same for you. Thank you Lord.
Oh Lord, pour on me the oil of gladness and the garment of praise. For you alone are holy and good. I accepted the galdness you give and will pass it on to others.
Indeed , God is in charge of every detail of our lives . Lately , I am inside a boiling , broiling point of intrigues within my place of work . I was praying to God . It is very difficult to trust people who seem to have misled you into believing what they have offered to you . Now I have chosen to forgive the person but I am ready to work for a manager who I am not convinced to be trustworthy ? I surrender this situation to God and the people who in one way or another have broken my heart and even seeing a friend being laughed and talked about in her back . I ask God to be in control of my life , my circumstances and I know His hand is not too short to grant me all the support needed during this time of misgivings and the like . He is faithful . Help me to love those You bring my way . Make my heart be filled with integrity to love those who have not been true to me . May your word richly dwell within me so that no sin can be hidden within me .
Such a timely message and appropriate analogy. It seems as I become more mature, the seasons and challenges of my life get increasingly more difficult. However, today’s word reminds me that over time, I am growing stronger in my faith. And with God’s strength and power, I will be able to withstand all trials and tribulations — emerging from this difficult period triumphantly! My spiritual roots are long and deep, and just like the mighty oak I am becoming a stronger, more valuable and more effective ambassador for the Lord. Thank you for this powerful testimony. It has encouraged me to continue holding on and standing strong.
Oh Thank you dearest Father,
Your words bring us comfort and hope. I pray for us as women today to send our roots deeper into your word. Strengthen us, nourish us, and enable us to stand under the trials of life that rock our very foundations. Thank you that your word is truth, and that your promises never fail. May we, with eyes of faith see what awaits the obedient and faithful.
In your precious name. Amen