Life is full of seasons, and not each season is going to be one that we enjoy. We know that, in theory at least, but when we’re in the middle of one of those deep, dark, cold winters of life, it’s hard to remember that spring is just around the corner.

A few years ago, my wife and I bought a stick. Well, actually it was a small Chinese tallowwood tree with those beautiful, pale green, heart-shaped leaves that turn a stunning gold during autumn.

But it was winter when we bought it, so this tree looked like a stick about two feet high. Now they told us at the nursery it was just what we wanted, but honestly at that point it could have been pretty much anything.

Today though, it’s a stunningly beautiful tree about 15 feet high and 10 feet round, just like they promised; tall, healthy, beautiful and growing.

I think back to that stick and just shake my head – how did that happen? God only knows.

In fact, when you look around, that process is very much part of His plan. When things are tall, healthy, beautiful and growing they have life pulsing through them. And that’s God’s plan for you as well.

Jeremiah 17:7,8 For those who trust in the Lord will be blessed. They know that the Lord will do what he says. They will be strong like trees planted near a stream that send out roots to the water. They have nothing to fear when the days get hot. Their leaves are always green. They never worry, even in a year that has no rain. They always produce fruit.

There will be seasons when you may feel and look like a stick. During those times, trust in the Lord and you will be blessed. You will become that strong, beautiful, resilient tree, with His life pulsing through you.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.