Strength in Unity

Have you ever been to the Redwood forests?

 I've gotta tell you it's one of my favorite places on the planet! The majesty of these forests are unbelievable.

We've all heard about these giants. But seeing them in person is really something to remember and reflect on.

There is almost a reverence to them. So massive, so peaceful and most of all.... they are just thriving in their environment.

But why is that? Why are they doing so well, growing so big, able to withstand most natural disasters?

It takes special conditions for these amazing specimens to reach their potential. Just the right amount of moisture, the right temperatures, they actually need a support system too!

The next generation of Redwoods tie into the roots of those before them, using their resources to gain strength.

Isn't that how things are supposed to be?

Lifting up those who are coming after us?

Having a support system to keep us grounded but also to lock arms with when adversity comes!

The greatest threat to these giants is not disease or fires.... It's wind.

The method to overcome this opposing force is to band together, to be anchored... Each one holding the other strong, supporting, taking on some of the burden so no one tree feels the full pressure and snaps.

And it's been working for hundreds and even thousands of years! It's truly incredible.

The more I have learned and discovered about Redwoods the more lessons I see God teaching us through His creation.

We all need the right conditions to be at OUR best. I emphasize the "our" because we are each individuals and can only operate how we were designed. At least effectively.

There is a place that God has prepared for every singe one of us.

That is what the Apostle Paul is saying in Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:16-19 NKJV "do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: [17] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, [18] the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power"

 I see so many people striving not necessarily for something but to get away from something or a situation.

No matter how fast you go, going in the wrong direction will never get you where you want to be.

Most times our destination is through the fire not away from it.

That was my story for a long time. I knew what I didn't want, what I absolutely couldn't stand to have in my life. But I didn't have the revelation of what God had for me.

What's when we are susceptible to the danger of wind. Being blown back and forth.

Look here...

Ephesians 4:14 ESV "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."

Just knowing what isn't right is not enough. We have to seek the answers for His purpose to be anchored.

I knew I had to be in the right environment for me. Each of us has a unique mixture and recipe for our lives. Our personalities and talents and skills are all in different portions. We all come from a different set of circumstances and backgrounds. We all have a level of awesomeness that needs to be shared!

In life and relationships there isn't a one size fits all.

For example,

If you came over to my house for dinner you would expect to have a few different items on your plate, right? But what if I had recently added green beans to my diet and it made an incredible difference in my life.

I was so excited to share what magic there was in green beans…So all I put on the plate was green beans..that's it….just the "one thing" that made a difference in my circumstances. You'd probably think I was crazy…lol

Do you think you would experience the same thing that I did? Do you think you would have the same transformation?

This is what it feels like now. This "one thing" the "missing ingredient" that made a world of difference for one person and their unique recipe.

And it is positioned as this life changing (which it probably was for them) aspect that everyone needs. But is it the right circumstances for you?

Understand that God has given you a unique calling and placed inside of you a special blend of talents and gifts.

Look at the snowflake, every. single. one is different and glorious. How much more valuable are you to God then a snowflake?

I want to encourage everyone to focus on the right circumstances for you! Seek the Lord in prayer and He WILL direct your steps.

We are at our best when we are in alignment, and positioned correctly with WHO God says that we are.

Lock shields with those pursuing God around you. Connect those roots to be strong in the day of adversity.

Seek out those relationships that hold you in place when times are tough. That might come in the form of a coach or mentor or possibly a group of peers in the same industry as you. But we all need to have that support system and to be that support system.

Be blessed and stand firm

1 Corinthians 15:58 "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."