PLANTED AND PLACED WITH A PURPOSE

 

I love trees. The more the merrier. 

The idea of having rows of trees in my driveway that would arch over and hold hands without effort as they formed a lushious emerald canopy above me, was one of my biggest dreams as a kid.

Although I never got the fairytale driveway once I grew up, I am happy to report that I am still very blessed in the fact that we do have a bounty of trees in our garden. 

Less than I would like but enough to give me a small feeling of an urban jungle.

All of these trees were planted with a purpose in mind.

In spots where the ground would be fertile enough for them and the temperature conducive to good fruit. 

Not one tree is like the other and each one bears their own unique produce in their fruit bearing season.

Each one is different, unique and truly individual; even when they might share similarities to others.

Not one sliver of DNA exactly like its neighbour.

It is no surprise then that humans are compared to trees numerous times in scripture.

Sometimes we miss this concept though as we critically stand and judge others (or worse) compare ourselves; what we have and can do, our earthly belongings and our families with that of others whilst forgetting we are all A ONE OF A KIND CREATION.

Original and copyrighted poetry of our Maker; never to be repeated or remixed into a newer and improved version (Ephesians 2:10).

We would never compare one tree to another, even those of the same species.

Nor would we critique a poor tree for it’s wind wethered leaves; it’s rough and patchy bark, the way it was growing skew or the manner in which its roots were sticking out of the ground.

Then why are we so comfortable in doing that to ourselves or others?

Why can we appreciate a tree that is withstanding all the odds and growing in less than fertile ground; skew; out of the ground and in a hostile environment?

One that is defeating all the odds and living a life worthy of its Maker despite how it may look from the outside.

BUT when we look at the lives of others around us who have been tormented by the darkness in this earthly life we can’t muster up even a tiny drop of the empathy and understanding we have for trees?

Our fellow sojourner’s who are lacking their leaves and fruit. 

The windswept and terminally bent over ones; the ones that were burnt and scorched by the lightning of life or those whose roots are so close to the surface that they are parched and brittle yet vehemently grasping for deeper, moisture rich ground.

The ones that know that they are not the picture perfect seedling they started out as anymore; but who are still alive…still growing; believing; trusting; hoping; breathing…moment by moment, one decision at a time; desperately holding on… fighting forward…fighting to flourish….fighting to THRIVE.

When have our lives become so about ourselves that we have forgotten the ones we are here for?

Have our hearts become so drought ridden that it is not breaking for the broken anymore or has the wasteland of this life caused you not to be a fruit bearing tree anymore but one that hoard the fruit you do have, afraid of losing the little you possess.

It is important then to look at trees and how they communicate and function in a forest. 

On the surface we would say that all trees only tend to their own needs. 

Single minded in looking out for its own best growth.

Amazingly however trees were found to be connected in a “wood wide web” through an underground mycelium network that connects these individual trees together and through which they perceive when another tree is in trouble or needs help. Mother trees also tend to the needs of smaller saplings this way.

Through this same network, and without delay they then send nitrogen, carbon and other minerals via their roots to the other trees to aid in their growth and healing.

How WONDOROUSLY INCREDIBLE is that?!!

 

I would think then, that if even trees were made to function in community, it says something about the heart of our Maker and His heart for us.

UNITY. 

HARMONY.

COMMUNITY.

ONE BODY IN CHRIST.

It is thus important to make sure that we are surrounded by a community of Christ followers who can hold up our arms in times of need (spiritual, emotional and physical), intercede for us in prayer when our words are scarce, reminding us who we are when we might forget and those who will share their fruit with us when our trees are not in season or experiencing the effects of drought.

Willing to share, even if they do not have a whole truckload full of fruit for themselves, because they know that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35) and that our ULTIMATE CALL in this life is to be servants as Jesus was on this earth.

 

As I read a passage of Paul to the Corinthians I am both confronted and convicted by his words:

“If you are EAGER to GIVE, God will accept your gift on basis of what you give, not on what you don’t have. I am not trying to relieve others by putting a burden on you; but since you have plenty at this time it is only fair that you SHOULD HELP THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED. Then, when you are in need and they have plenty, THEY WILL HELP YOU. In this way both are treated equally”.

(2 Cor 8:12-14)

 

If God then have made us with a plan in mind, chosen us, placed us and PLANTED us with His own hands and given us PURPOSE (John 15:16) then you can be sure that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Nestled in between the people that He predetermined you would be surrounded with and whose lives you would enrich by the fruit that He gave you to bear.

Nothing is wasted in the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:58) and He will use EVERYTHING you bring and every experience you go through in every season as He perfectly brings all things together.

There is nowhere you can go and nothing you can do that surprises Him (Ps 139:7-12) and if you let Him, He will plant you by rushing waters, where you can bear fresh fruit in every season without ever dropping one leaf (Ps 1:3).

So dig your roots deep down into the soil of the WORD.

Connect to those around you with a heart of abounding generosity and compassion and WATCH as your Heavenly Father multiplies you into the STRONG, STURDY, FRUIT BEARING, EVERGREEN tree that He knew all along you could be.