THE MIGHTY OAK TREE

This reflection was inspired after receiving this unique treasure from a friend’s family for my birthday this past year.

 

A beautiful handcrafted acorn

 

It included a beautiful note that is applicable to all our lives and worthy of reflection, so I will share it.

“Looking at an acorn, it’s hard to tell that it will one day be a great oak tree. Similarly, when we look at our lives, we seldom know what the future will hold. God not only sees where you are right now but also who you will become and where you will go. He doesn’t see an acorn; He sees a mighty oak tree! He knows the plans He has for you and what He wants to do through you. Keep stretching, growing, and challenging yourself, and trust that God is using your gifts to make a difference in this world. You are amazing, and we are grateful to have you in our lives.”

 

What are four takeaways from these words of wisdom?

God wants us to grow spiritually from an acorn to a mighty oak tree.

There is an old proverb: “Great oaks from little acorns grow.”

I believe that the old proverb is a powerful parallel to our spiritual journeys on this earth. At the point when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are like an acorn, a seemingly small creation. As we grow, study the Word, and experience the presence of the Spirit in our lives, we, the acorn, should grow into a big, beautiful oak tree that has strong roots. We grow in love for the Spirit, ourselves, and others as we serve others.

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.  –Isaiah 61:3  (NLT)

Indeed, as Scripture says, we are planted to bring glory to the Lord in all that we do and are. As we strive to live righteously and victoriously, we emulate more of God’s glory.

We may experience times of growth spurts and also times of what feels like no growth. Sometimes we might not see the growth, but others who walk with us might. Life is full of choices, and some things we have control over and some we do not. God knows the master plan of each of our lives and sees the beauty of the mighty oak tree of our lives if we remain faithful to Him. He is our biggest cheerleader, believing in us and seeing the best in us!

 

Photo courtesy of Brian Y. under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

God has plans for each of our lives to spread the good news of Jesus.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  –Jeremiah 29:11  (NLT)

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  –2 Timothy 4:2  (NLT)

From the beginning of time, God only wanted the very best for us, His children, made in His image. He wants us to live in His goodness and with hope in Him. God continually lavishes His unconditional love on us. He gave us free will to choose Him and to walk humbly with Him each day. Our lives are an offering to Him.

God wants to work through each of our lives in the unique way that He provides. We all share in preaching the good news of Jesus, some as teachers, preachers, musicians, writers, and some as just ordinary people helping a stranger, feeding the hungry, or visiting a shut-in.

 

God wants to help us grow continually as we trust Him with our gifts and lives.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  –1 Corinthians 12:4-7  (ESV)

The mighty oak tree is always growing, soaking up the water, extending its roots, and serving a God-ordained purpose. Our lives are just like that mighty oak tree. We need to continually grow in sharing the special gifts God has given us for the good of others in this world. The Spirit flows through the gifts we share. Our gifts can be shared through different official ministries we are a part of or even in our daily dealings with people. God might provide new gifts in our lives as we keep going deeper with Him so that our lives can touch different sets of people. The gifts we share make a difference in the lives of those we touch. The Spirit is always at work!

 

Photo courtesy of Tony Kummer under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

 

God wants us to know Christ lives in us and to have gratitude for how people bless our lives.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?  –2 Corinthians 13:5  (NIV)

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?  –1 Thessalonians 3:9  (NIV)

Do you live knowing Christ is in you, shining His light into the lives of others? God loves us so much that He gives us that special gift. We need to believe that goodness is in us because of Christ living in us! We also should be filled with gratitude for the people God brings into our lives to share this journey of faith with. Our lives impact others daily. What a privilege that is!

Be encouraged this week to…

…reflect on how your life has gone from an acorn to a mighty oak tree.

…continually be seeking God’s plan for your life.

…know your gifts are needed to further the kingdom.

…know others appreciate the gift you are.

 

REFLECTION:

How has God stretched you to share Him?
What is one way God has worked through you?

 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  –Colossians 2:6-7  (NIV)