Lessons From the Cedar Tree

On one occasion, I focused on a small cedar tree growing out from a crevice in the rocky side of the canyon. It obviously had to struggle to survive in that very barren and inhospitable location. As I contemplated it, I considered the struggle for existence it must have had against erosion, winds, rain, freezing weather and the rocky incline. I realized that it could only be the hardy tree that it was because it clung so closely to the rock and sent its roots so deep in search of purchase, water and nourishment!

I discovered many years ago in my few attempts to be a gardener that hot-house plants do not survive well if suddenly removed from their secure place, where there is no struggle for survival, and planted outdoors where they were exposed to varied conditions of climate and environment. They must be systematically and progressively exposed to the elements rather than moved abruptly. The self- centered, thoughtless and inhumane acts of the unregenerate world, like the sun, wind and rain are to tiny plants, often try the very fiber of a people–either building great faith and perseverance or working destruction in them. Fortunately, God does not expose us to all that we will ever go through in one move. He takes us step by step all the while staying in step with us.

The greatest tests of nobility and spirituality are not found in the heights of success and acclaim a person might attain but rather the depths of pain and trial which he courageously overcomes. It is not the high moments of life that determine success but rather the low.

God is a very thrifty God. There is no event in human life—no struggle, sorrow, or destruction that God does not carefully monitor. The deepest despair of the human heart can often be the incubator of the greatest faith, producing the strongest roots and the hardiest of souls.

God's grace is always available but not usually availed when life is good and things are going well. His grace is always great regardless of situation but is more greatly appreciated when our needs surpass our ability.

Take stock of the situation in which you find yourself when in difficult times. You might find yourself asking these questions?

1. Does God know what is happening in my life?
2. Does He care what happens to me?
3. Is there any virtue added to my life through my struggles?
4. What am I learning about God and His grace in what I'm going through?
5. What personal character traits am I accruing?
6. Am I stronger in my faith now than before?
7. What am I gleaning that I can share with others?

The answers to all of the above questions must be a resounding “yes.” Yes God knows. He cares for you. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). We should therefore not focus on the trial and difficulties to which we are subjected but rather to our loving Father Who constantly looks to our needs and cares for us.

Remember the cedar tree. Life's greatest benefits come when we are forced to send our roots the deepest to insure survival.

Jeff