The Healing Begins (How to Stop a Tree from Bearing Fruit)
I'm sharing this because I know a lot of us are feeling some of the same things. We all go through heartbreak, disappointment and trials that cause us to question even the very thing we stand for. But after all that rain, the clouds are breaking and the sun is beginning to shine through… So that afterwards you can see things with an even clearer, more experienced perspective.
There
is a beautiful tree I pass every day on the way to work. During the fall season, it drops small fruit onto the sidewalk, causing everyone passing it a bit of an obstacle course (especially because when the fruit is stepped on, it produces an unpleasant odor.)The thought came to my mind that maybe there was a way to stop that tree from producing that fruit, therefore reducing the annoyance to all passers-by.
God used that tree (of all things) to teach me a lesson. I researched the ways that one can stop a tree from bearing fruit. When I looked up this particular type of tree, I found that the only way to stop it from bearing fruit was to CUT IT DOWN and then RIP THE ROOTS OUT.
The past six months have brought many heartbreaking events. Listing them here would add to the weight on my heart – but for those who know us you have some idea.
Through those weeks, days and long hours the thought has crossed my mind that maybe I'm pointed in the wrong direction. Maybe serving people (and the Lord) is not all it's cracked up to be. (Note: Yes, this may sound sacrilegious coming from a 'Pastor's Wife', but let's be honest – We all go through trials, and if we could just be more genuine about our struggles maybe we could help each other out a little more. I am striving to be this candid for two purposes: To minimize the likelihood of getting stuck in a façade that makes it appear as if everything is perfect and that I have no problems; and to also help out anyone else who is feeling the same way.)
When I first started on this journey, the excitement and energy could barely be contained. And with anything that is worthwhile, there came a season where that excitement then develops into discipline – To grow in understanding and realize that faith is not a feeling.
Through those times, we've accomplished what many in our outside circle deem a success. But when so many challenges and heartbreaks come along, it is natural to question. It is natural to think about taking the easy way out. It's natural to think about fleeing and starting all over. But deep within I know unswervingly that I have been called to something different. I wouldn't be happy as Jane Smith with 2.5 kids, 3 car garage and a husband I never see but whom brings home a six-figure paycheck, because I wouldn't be fulfilling my true purpose.
Of all the possible things God could speak to me through, He used a tree.
The trials that have arrived as of late have been attempts to destroy the growth that has already occurred, and to prevent it from developing any further. Many of us have gone through the wringer lately, and it is not a coincidence. When people in our lives leave, we feel disconnected, as if our ROOTS have been RIPPED OUT. What we thought was a central part of our lives is now detached. When we go through personal struggle and disappointment, we can easily be CUT DOWN.
This revelation has helped me come to the conclusion that I will not let myself be CUT DOWN; my roots are firmly planted and will not be RIPPED OUT. I will NOT be defeated.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.- 1 Peter 5:8,9a
But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.- Psalm 71:14
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