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(Application Study Bible) So what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?
I was standing in the Old Growth Forest near Nelson, British Columbia, staring at a most extra-ordinary pine tree. The base of the tree rested on a huge boulder like a giant sitting on a chair. The bark was split open like a brown cloak on either side of the rock. The tree, like a grinning champion after a noble fight, stood triumphantly on top of its enemy. In fact, it was taller than some of the trees beside it. All because of the boulder!
As I gazed at the tree, I got quite excited. “Come back,” I called to my party, “have a look at this brave tree.” Soon a motley group of men and women gathered round. “Isn’t this a lesson for us all,” I said. “A lesson in overcoming.” A guy winked at his friend, as much as to say, “Here she goes again, finding a lesson in whatever!”
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But no matter, my mind continued to imagine what it was like for this tree. Many years ago, at the edge of a boulder, like a menacing mountain, a small seed sprouted in the ground. What chance did it have to grow up? Still, it pushed its way through the ground. As it grew in size it kept bumping into a rocky wall, a constant reminder of its unyielding, ornery neighbour. If it had been like us, it might have grumbled, ‘What did I do to deserve this? I can’t even stretch and grow like other pine trees around me.’ But it kept growing and reaching and stretching and climbing, one inch at a time. Right on top of the boulder! Thus elevated, it continued to grow, perfectly straight, with the rest of the trees.
Now, the tree seemed to be saying to me, “If you have a boulder in your way and you can’t move it or tunnel through it, use it to your advantage. Turn a stumbling stone into a stepping stone.”
Take one little step by giving thanks that God knows all about this obstacle and He will turn it into something good.
Father, show me a way of surmounting this obstacle, one inch at a time.
Questions: What is lying in your path today? How can you make a positive out of a negative?
About Helen Grace Lescheid
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Tags: boulder, brave, enemy, lesson, neighbour, obstacle, overcome, pine, seed, stumbling
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Helen, thank you for such a perfectly timed devotional today! It spoke volumes to my heart! God bless.
Your devotional touched my heart today. I sent it to my daughter who is facing some tough obstacles. Thank you.
This was a very timely article. I’ve been fighting to overcome anxiety all of my adult life (30+) years. The Lord has brought me along a step at a time. And though total deliverance has been slow, I can now look back and say that the Lord has brought me a “mighty long way.” Thanks for the article, Helen! It truly ministered to me.
We all seem to have at least one thing we need to lift up to HIM asking HIM to help lead and guide us to overcome. I too appreciate this timely word.
His Lamb, I ask HIM to continue to help you in the process of overcoming anxiety.
6-Days sober this comes @ a time that I need encouragement.It just reinforces my faith that by obeying his will I am an overcomer !!! Amen and Thankyou.
Loved the devotional and found it encouraging but missed the Bible verse. Was it forgotten? Thinking about it I was reminded of those verses in Romans 8:28-39. Yes, we will have struggles and obstacles and really hard things happening in our lives, things we have to overcome. But “If God is for us, who can be against us?”, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Praying that we each keep our focus on the one who loves us more than we can even imagine. The one who cares about us and is at the right hand of God, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. Love to you all, my sisters. Donna
helen, thank you for a most inspiring devotional.
one never knows what the day will bring and as I started out today full of the wonders of God’s love, I have been presented with not one but two issues, both relating to loved ones. let’s just say my cup runneth over at this very moment. so in my path is that boulder. I can’t move it or tunnel through it.
there is one obsticle that i am facing that onlyHe can see me through
Hi Ladies!
DonnaL, you were right, the Scripture was somehow omitted from the beginning of this devo and it is from the passage in Romans that you mentioned.
Here is what was omitted:
Scripture: I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his (Christ’s) love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. (Romans 8:38 in Life Application Study Bible) So what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?
Lord of Love, Please be with those who, today, face what seems to be an obstacle that only You can move. Thank you that nothing is impossible with You. Lord, please continue to help 3rik in her battle to remain sober! Help Sharon through what only You can change. Bless each woman represented here and work in amazing ways in their circumstances and in their hearts with Your power. May we be freshly filled with Your Holy Spirit this day! In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen!
3rik,
one day at a time. God bless you in your recovery and know:
Ezekiel 36:26-”I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”
Philippians 4:6 says ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Yes, please pray for me. It seems like I have a mountain (or several) in front of me, and some of them have been there for years. While God has been faithful as He is, and done some things, I am waiting on the Lord to continue to do some more things in my life. I pray that I would not be afraid, but be filled with God’s virtues of courage, godly boldness, wisdom & love, and really do what I’m supposed to do. Thank you for listening, and God bless you all.
Dear Anon, You have prayed well for your needs from HIM. Shows you are aware of the obstacles and issues…which is very good. I too pray into your prayer and that God will allow you to face these things one at a time and never to feel ‘overwhelmed.’ Jesus may Anon hear YOUR voice as she is on YOUR road way in her walk of discipleship. May she feel your grace and mercy along w/YOUR loving concern as she faces these issues/things one at a time. I ask in YOUR name. Amen
His Lamb and 3rik and Kanj; may HE surround you w/HIS mercy and grace as well as you face the issues life is throwing your way. May you all find HIS comfort, wisdom and STRENGTH of the Holy Spirit as you learn deeper things in ’standing firm’ for Christ as HIS child. Amen
Thank you Andi for praying for your sisters. Amen, and God bless!
Always good to see you online Anon. Be blessed this week dear online friend