Listen To Me.

“Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God (John 6:68-69 NIV)".

My husband wanted a tree for our front yard so that it would in due time bear some shade for our house. So we went tree shopping and found a suitable one that was delivered to our house and transplanted into our yard. We were happy with this investment and like proud parents we were also looking forward to seeing the tree grow. After a couple of days though, we had to face a disappointment as this tree was not growing properly. It was losing many leaves and we figured that the transplanting had caused a little shock to it. But in the days to follow its leaves even went yellow and then the wind came and detached many leaves from the branches. Now our tree looked very desolate and we were troubled about it and considered buying another one.

As I approached the tree one day all of a sudden I heard the LORD saying to me “Embrace it, have compassion and have patience.” On another occasion when I was very concerned for this tree the LORD spoke again to me saying, “Don’t look at all the dead leaves and don’t look at all the negatives. Look at the end of the branches and see if you can find some new life.” And sure enough, in the midst of all this dying I could recognize some new leaves that were springing forth! My hope for this tree was of course right there again and I prayed for it and praised the LORD for His wonderful plan.

Does this story remind you a little of your own life? You look at the all the negatives, and then you get discouraged and downcast and lose your hope? I tell you, stop right where you are and start to listen to the truth that will set you free. Embrace your situation by tuning in to God. Then begin to hear and see what He says and what He sees. I promise that these crystal clear words of eternal life from the Holy One of God will bring new life to you. You will grow strong in faith and you will call forth life to the dead, and call things that are not as though they were. That sounds like a great plan, doesn’t it!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!


Suzanne Tanner