It looks like rain on the other side of these desert-mountains. I hope so. And I hope it reaches the tree in the foreground. Despite the cacti, it feels dry. Even so, I picture leaves outside the picture growing from the topmost branches of the deciduous tree. The trunk is unusually tall for the desert; it’s not only a survivor, it’s grown and thrived in barrenness. It reminds me of the Tree of Heaven in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
According to CliffsNotes, www.cliffsnotes.com, “The opening chapter of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn explains that the tree is a Tree of Heaven. It only grows in the poorest of neighborhoods and it grows no matter how poor the circumstances. It can thrive in cement and without water or fertilizer.”
Can you relate to that tree? Do you know what it’s like to be in a poor place, feeling like you’re stuck, rooted in cement, without water or food.
God allows seasons when the springs and wells of His Spirit seem closed and dry, when hard times press us on all sides, when we hunger for a living Word, but hear only silence or we long for fellowship with other believers, but find ourselves isolated and alone.
These dry times test our faith. God hasn’t left us. He is watching us.. Hold on, believe, continue to seek God; love Him for Himself alone.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:78 NIV
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 NIV
