There’s a huge tree I can see from my office window. On this particular day it’s partly sunny but extremely windy. I observe leaves blowing as well as huge limbs that are bowing to the point, they look ready to snap at any moment. I’m amazed at how the leaves are viciously waiving back and forth and the limb is moving as if someone is physically shaking it. Then all of a sudden, snap!! Leaves are falling blowing all around and limbs graciously hit the ground.

My eyes are excitedly following the once stable limbs hit the ground. I immediately think wow!!! God truly is in control. A sense of calm engulfed me as I thought of God’s assurance of His love and care for me. God who securely hold leaves and limbs on a tree as the wind vehemently gusts, then at His appointed time allows it to snap to get rid of dead weight. This reminds me of how He holds me together when the leaves and limbs of my life encounter vehement windy days. Then at His appointed time allows me to snap and shed the dead weight.

Our lives are often like the leaves and limbs on this tree. We are stable in the arms of God. However, the weight of life situations have us vehemently blowing back and forth feeling as if we would snap. Then one day we snap! Just like God knew when to shed that tree of those leaves and limbs, He too knows when it’s time for us to snap and shed our dead weight.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not advocating for us to go around snapping on anyone. The snap I’m referring to is the release of things and situations that are no good for us. Hence, God at His appointed time graciously snaps(removed) them from our life.

I can recall so many instances where situations blew me around to the point I wanted to snap. But God said not yet. During those times, I didn’t realize how stable, safe and secure I was in God’s arms.

The once stable leaves blew off to make room for new growth and the once stable limbs snapped to eliminate dead weight that could potentially be harmful to the tree. Even when our stable lives have snapped and become disjointed, God has a plan and purpose for vehemently shaking us.
 
PEARLStoPONDER: We may be shaken; we may snap but remember our stability resides in God.
 
Psalm 23:4--Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Philippians 1:6--And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

James 1: 12--Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.