Stronger tree, stronger me!

Many years ago when I was studying Forestry, I learned that if a tree is located where it is blown by the wind, it will grow stronger roots & be able to withstand even the strongest storm. Trees that were sheltered from the elements were weaker & often damaged in the stronger storms.

I'm so thankful that God has allowed me to be shaken by the winds of illness, changing plans, a travelling Hubby & many other things. These things may seem unbearable to others who look at my life, but my roots are deep. They are planted in my Savior!

With each new obstacle thrown my way, I've been blown & tossed around. But I'm anchored in Christ! I know that no matter what is thrown my way, He will carry me through. Each trial is making me stronger & more like Christ. I may get battered & bruised along the way. I may get a few "limbs" knocked out of me. This is God's way of getting rid of my bad habits & traits.

But I know that each storm of life I walk through makes me stronger & better able to handle the next one! Because of this, I welcome the storms! I'm thankful for the storms. Without them, I would be weaker. Without them, I wouldn't know the power of God's love & mercy! I wouldn't know that God is trustworthy, faithful & true! I'd be less like Christ.

I love these verses! "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4 NIV84)

I may not consider it pure joy as I'm in the middle of a trial/storm. But as I ask God for perspective, I step back and look at my journey. I can see where I have persevered. I can see where I'm growing more mature & more like Jesus. That's when I have joy! For just a second, I see where I've come from & where I'm going! I see that one of these days, my trials will disappear. One of these days, God's work in me will be complete. I will see my Savior face to face & be a perfect reflection of Him!

Until then, let the storms of life come! They will only make me stronger!