The Oak Tree

 Written July 2013 for a local NW newspaper. At the time we had no idea what awaited us or what we would endure, but the words speak to our hearts as powerfully today as it did back then. 

The Oak Tree

It seems these days that people are hungry and desperate to see or experience something real and tangible from the heart of God. They have become weary and worn down by circumstance and all the obstacles presented by everyday life. When you’re facing a crises and people tell you to just “keep the faith,” you are likely going to feel like screaming. 

What does that even mean? The words feel empty and powerless. If we don’t understand what it really means to have faith, then powerless is exactly what we are. 

In this last year, the Holy Spirit has worked mighty miracles in our lives, through the power of faith. The word says that “Fatih is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). 

My goodness!! One year ago there was no physical trace of the blessings, love, breakthrough and promotion that God has since showered upon us. Only the steadfast belief that no matter the circumstances or opinions of the world, God is in control. 

The world is quick to remind us of our shortcomings and people will attempt to limit you through their words and opinions. However, faith does not rest on the wisdom of men, but on God’s power (1 Corinthians 2:5). 

We have also learned that faith is not a passive state of being, but a power driven force that enables us to take action and achieve greater things than we ever dreamed possible. 

Jesus famously taught: “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain , ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20) This is a profound truth and confirms that each of us has the potential to succeed inside of us, if we hang on to the promises that God the Father gave us, through His Son on the cross. 

We feel very fortunate to be able to testify that these words are real and valuable, no matter what your circumstances are. 

God loves you more than you can ever begin to imagine and He desires to be close to you, guide you, bless you and prosper you in every facet of your life. He can and will perform great miracles, if you let Him.

We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us in this new season. As in awe of His goodness as we already are, we know it is only the start of what He has planned. This poem reminds us that you can overcome anything if you are rooted in strong faith:

“The Oak Tree”

A mighty wind blew night and day

It stole the oak tree’s leaves away,

then snapped its boughs

and pulled its bark

until the oak was tired and stark. 

But still the oak tree held its ground

while other trees fell all around..

The weary wind gave up and spoke,

“How can you still be standing Oak?” 

The oak tree said: “I know that you

can break each branch of mine in two, 

carry every leaf away,

shake my limbs and make me sway.

But I have roots stretched in the earth,

growing stronger since my birth.

You’ll never touch them, for you see

they are the deepest part of me. 

Until today, I wasn’t sure

of just how much I could endure.

But now I’ve found, with thanks to you, 

I’m stronger than I ever knew.”

~Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr.~

Much love and blessings.

David and Didi