They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. (Jer. 17:8)
Expanded Passage: Jeremiah 17:7-8
In 1956, the arrival of a six-year-old Hungarian girl to my first-grade classroom was the first exposure many in my community had to political persecution and the evil present in the world. Fleeing Hungary during the 1956 uprising, Eva and her family gained support with their personal needs and jobs, and we all learned the blessings of showing love, acceptance, and community. Eva’s family were believers whose confidence in what the Lord was doing was so strong that their adoptive American church, seeing real trust and confidence in God’s provision in action, went on to provide refuge to many other Hungarian families.
It is not difficult to acknowledge God’s provision when things are going well, but trust occurs when we give over our fears and fully rely on him through prayer, having faith that he is working his will in us to perfect us for his use. Psalm 46:1–3 states that, though the mountains are cast down and the earth is removed, God alone stands as our refuge. Journeying through difficult times deepens God’s grace when we praise and love him abundantly.
Our faith is tested to the core during difficult times. How we respond and persevere is proven by how deeply we have planted our roots, and how we use the Living Water to build and sustain strong roots.
Drink deeply from the stream that never fails.
Susan Gordon lives in Wadsworth, Ohio, where she enjoys riding her e-bike, walking, serving as a volunteer in her city and county parks, photography, and spending retirement making memories with her family.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
