2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Someone unexpectedly came across a stump among a pile of bricks and rubble. It was literally the remains of a tree stump, covered in ashes and soot, shy of one solitary branch and a few leaves. On a whim the citizen felt compelled to take this “hopeless stump” to Citywide Nursery in New York, NY, rather than throw it in the garbage.
The stump then became someone’s mission – Mr. Richard Cabo’s mission. "Cabo didn’t think the stump would survive, but he committed daily to watering, pruning, fertilizing, and stabilizing it. The stump, previously known as a Callery pear tree, gained new life, and is now known as the “Survivor Tree,” at Ground Zero. It has sense been returned to the memorial site (well over a year now) where it stands humbly and blooms every spring. Today it symbolizes the recovery of America"...those were the words of the writer who shared Cabo's story. As the Survivor Tree’s 30 ft. branches and leaves shimmer in the air, it brings to mind images of Old Glory shining in the sun, wind blowing, standing tall, forever memorializing the patriotism of men and women who have died for this great country of ours– those who have given their ALL – the ultimate sacrifice for all freedoms for its citizens.
You’ve probably guessed where I’m going with my illustration. This pitiable, beaten down, traumatized, discarded stump – is a representation of grace! God can and DOES use those discarded, less cared for, thrown away, down trodden lives to serve HIS purpose. My husband says, "God can always raise a phoenix out of the ashes! No matter where you’ve been or what you’re going through, the Almighty can restore you to abundance!" I’m not speaking directly of wealth (although He can do that too!) but I’m referring to abundant peace; abundant happiness. Joy. Only He can bring true abundant joy – and it’s through grace. What marvelous grace He bestows!
Plants and other living things require nutrition – water, and food. Our 'love connection' with Christ Jesus is the same. With DAILY watering, pruning, stabilizing, and “Sonshine,” our spirits will develop. We’ll grow. Our daily actions will deepen our desire to serve Him. We will begin to flourish like the Survivor Tree, and become a beacon of light! It requires daily commitment.
I spoke with a kind, mild mannered lady several months ago. She introduced herself as “Margaret` - from El Salvador”. Margaret` suffered tremendous physical abuse in her childhood. Later, when she married at 16 years of age, her husband hurt her by “regular beatings,” as she phrased it. She lost both of her children when she left the marriage. She came to our country with nothing. Margaret` lost everything. She said she had never been so hurt, so discouraged, and so broken as when she entered the United States. She said she initially had “no one or nothing” to start with. (But she did have SOMEONE). She said her only hope was to keep moving – keep walking for fear she would die – to keep busy doing whatever she could. Over the course of 6 months, Margaret` lost 60 pounds, went from living in a shelter to being able to save up money for a tiny one-bedroom apartment, AND adopt a small dog. In six months, her life turned around completely!
I questioned Margaret` about her “walking routine;” she explained that in her early days, she found a headset on the sidewalk. She had picked it up, thinking she would put it in the nearby trashcan. But when she pushed the button, music poured out loud and strong. Christian music! This ONE Christ-centered song was what Margaret` listened to every single day, multiple times per day, as she walked. She said it encouraged her. It encouraged her to keep going. She said it reminded her that God wasn’t done with her life. Tell me that He doesn’t work in mysterious ways! Our God can do anything, with anything, and anyone!
So how about it, friend? Have you watered, pruned, and fertilized your spirit this week? Today? Are you a living symbol of grace like the Survivor Tree and Margaret`?
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