| God Speaks Through an Unusual Tree |
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| Written by Ron Elliott |
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It was on Saturday, October 10th, in the afternoon when we had free time to do whatever we wanted to do. Some watched football on TV, some went canoeing, some browsed the Cokesbury Book Store, some sought prayer time in the worship center and some just wanted to relax or take a nap. I decided to walk around the property that bordered on beautiful Lake Griffin. I went out on two of the wooden piers to take in the scenery, the wildlife, the sun reflecting on the water, the sounds of the water lapping against the shore. It was a relaxing time, a spiritual time, as God drew me closer through His creation. In one area I came upon a most unusual tree. I could not believe what I was seeing! It was a very large tree, but what caught my attention was the base of the tree. In the past during some storm, a huge tree had been blown over and uprooted with the roots exposed above ground. Out of those roots, another tree had sprouted and grown up into a great tall tree with a large canopy. The roots of the fallen tree were embedded in the base of the tall tree and both trees were alive. As I gazed upon the sight before me, I sensed God speaking to me through that unusual tree saying, “You may be feeling down and drained of your strength like this fallen and uprooted tree, but through ME, like the great tall tree, you can find strength and new life.” I was reminded of Scripture, Isaiah 40:31… “those who hope in The Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” That was why I had been destined for the retreat! God was filling my spiritual cup. He was renewing my strength so that I could “run and not grow weary,” I could “walk and not be faint.” Your Brother in Christ,
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