In our front yard, we have this gorgeous oak tree. Its trunk is so strong, and the branches create this beautiful canopy over the front yard. When I look at it, I think about how at one point, it was just a tiny seed. Over the years, it developed into this tree because of the conditions it has been in. Just like that tree, you and I have everything we need inside of us to grow strong and steady in this life and become all that God has called us to be.
Sometimes we don't feel equipped. Sometimes we don't know if we have what it takes. It's like when I pack my suitcase for a trip. Over the course of my life, I've done a lot of traveling. As much as I have packed, it seems that every time I go to close my suitcase, I start thinking, "Did I forget something? What am I missing? What if the weather changes? What if our schedule changes and I need something different?" I never quite feel like I have everything I need.
Many people get anxious before they travel. They want to be prepared; they don't want to miss their flight, and they want to make sure they have everything they need when they reach their destination. In our spiritual journey, we may be tempted to get anxious, too. We may wonder if we are prepared for our destiny, if we have what it takes, or if we overlooked something we need. We want to be at the right place at the right time, and we want to please God. But do you think anyone ever looked at a growing oak tree and thought, "Oh, I wonder if it has what it takes to grow tall and strong. I wonder if that seed knows what it's doing." No, we just expect it to do what it is designed to do. We know it is equipped and will grow and flourish with some water and sunlight.
Today, I want to remind you that you are like that oak tree. God has placed everything you need within you in seed form, and He's left nothing out! You have the right gifts and talents, you have the right personality, you have the right connections, and you have everything you need to make it through and overcome in this life. When you water your life with the Word of God and stay in the light of His countenance through worship, you are watering those seeds within.
Today, you don't have to worry or be anxious about a single detail of your journey in life because He's got you in the palm of His hand. You are created on purpose for a purpose, and you have what you need to be an overcomer in every area of life!
"… They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)