I now understand why my husband always had a love for palm trees. I thought they were stately, but I was more drawn to weeping willows blowing in the wind or a blooming magnolia tree. The source of life in a palm tree is at its center rather than just beneath the outward surface, as in other trees. Its roots go deep into the ground and draw nourishment during times of drought. The longer it endures, the sweeter its fruit becomes.
The palm tree tolerates abuse that would kill other trees, because it is not harmed by surface wounds. While living in Southern Texas, the palm trees were severely tested when a hurricane struck our town. We watched those stately trees sway and bend, not giving in to the torrents of roaring winds, crashing rain and pelting hail and debris.
The next morning, fallen trees of every kind were everywhere, roads were blocked…but no palm trees! Through the storm, the palm trees had the strength to endure it all! “The righteous will flourish like the palm tree: he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” I want to flourish like the palm tree and be found faithful, enduring whatever He chooses to bring my way. No…correction… I want to be found rejoicing… in the midst of the storms, trials and tribulations. We need strength to endure. Endurance is that inward strength the Holy Spirit gives us to withstand stress…and keep going!
Quitting is not an option. Prioritizing goals and pursuits so there is no time, energy or talent wasted is imperative. Learning to bend, instead of break, under pressure is a requirement. Leaving discouragement at the door becomes vital. Learning to do what is right even in hard times is a given…
Whatever “storm” stress you are facing this week, will you join me
in the pursuit of “endurance”…tapping into His strength…
rejoicing always…never giving up?
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
