KNOW YOUR STRENGTH

Once upon a time, there lived a big tree in a forest. A small leak was growing near it. Seeing how small and lean it looked, the big tree began teasing the little one and kept saying proudly-

“I am handsome and strong. No one can defeat me.”

The leak told the tree,

“Dear friend, don’t be too proud. Pride is not good. “

But the tree kept teasing the leak, and it felt sad and ashamed of its appearance. When strong winds blew, the leak couldn’t stand straight and it bowed down. But the tree was strong and stood straight. This made the leak feel more ashamed.

One day a storm came and strong winds began to blow and it rained heavily. The leak bowed down and stood firm on the ground but the big tree, though strong was uprooted from the ground.

What do we learn from this story? When life becomes hard and strong winds blow in our lives, and the circumstances go against our will, people begin to tease and speak ill of us and our situations. We start thinking that we have failed in life and feel discouraged. What do we do in those situations? Do we give up or stand firm in our faith in God?

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

God says in Isaiah 41:10 that He will strengthen you and help you. So, when situations seem hopeless, look up to God and He will strengthen your soul and spirit to face the challenges confidently and overcome them.

When the situations around us make us feel depressed, we began to feel that no one is there to help us or encourage us. Bible says in Phil. 4: 6 -7,

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

Our God is the ever-present help in times of trouble. He is there to hear your sorrows and encourage you. He is the best friend anyone can have. All we need to do is be still and continue seeking Him diligently and we must have an unshakable faith in God.

Just like the leak, we might bend and bow when strong winds blow but are assured that God is there to strengthen us and help us build our lives. But when God lifts us up we must be humble and not be proud like that big tree to receive God’s grace as given in James 4:6,

⁶But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6

Cast all your cares and situations on God and be calm. God will help you overcome the situations and hurdles. He will make you a testimony for others to see His glory.

Never fear, face your obstacles head-on!

God is with you to strengthen you and lead you through the waters.