Never Stake a Tree

Have you ever heard that saying? Never stake a tree? I had not until this last Monday at Bible study. It was explained to me that you should never stake a tree so as the wind blows it, it will root deeper into the ground so it will become sturdy against the wind. Who knew? (Probably alot of you, actually.) It makes total sense, though. We then proceeded to read Colossians 2:6-8 which says, "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." Then, wham, it hit me. The trials, or 'winds', that come our way are not for nothing. He sends those winds with a purpose. They help us become more rooted in Him. He uses those winds so we can become built up in Him and strengthened in our faith. He wants us to be able to stand strong and not be blown over easily. I feel my roots growing and am overflowing with thankfulness for the trials He has laid before me. Now, I'm not saying I enjoy the actual trial, but I am so thankful for a Father who has enough faith in me to know that I will come running to Him. He knows that I am worthy of suffering. He has surrounded me with the body of Christ. He has given me a husband who knows what I need when I am 'being blown around'. Not only is He rooting me deeper into Him, He is rooting Trey and I together as well. We, together, are become more rooted into Him. And together we can stand strong and weather the storm. So, yes, I am overflowing with thankfulness.