Ouachita Stories

Trials are a part of everyone’s life. God’s word does not promise that if you follow Him there will be no trials. God equips His people to persevere when trials come. I heard an adage many years ago that stated, “When the wind blows, it is not the size of the tree that allows it to endure, rather the depth of its roots.” God provides many avenues for a Christian to “put down deep roots.” Faith through His word and prayer are the cornerstone.

God also instructs us to help each other. No fewer than 32 times in the Old and New Testaments, He instructs us to help each other. Romans 12:8 says, “If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

 

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

 

Returning to the example of the trees, a lone tree, even with deep roots, is more vulnerable to the wind than a forest of trees whose roots are intertwined with one another, thus helping hold each other upright. God instructs us to help each other and to support one another, thus being like the trees of the forest to help hold each other up when the trials of wind blow. Faith in God and reaching out to God’s people for help are the foundations that will help you persevere under trial. Are you a lone tree or a tree in a forest? Strive each day to be a tree in the forest helping those around you who are suffering trials, and they in turn will hold you up when trials come your way.

 

By Bill Phelps, Assistant to the President for IT Services & Facilities Management