Last April, I was in my backyard walking around. It was newly spring and everything was coming alive. There were signs of new life everywhere you looked. Everywhere, except for my favorite hickory tree.
When I looked at it, I truly wondered if it was dead. I was devastated because this was my favorite tree. It was the tree that brought me so much joy to look at while I was in my bed sick from the chemo. At the end of the fall season it would have a couple day period where all the leaves would turn a golden yellow and just glow. I look forward to it every year now.
When I looked around, saw that everything else was growing. All of the other trees were growing. They all had new leaves sprouting. Even the great oak tree the hickory tree was connected to was growing. I thought that it may have died over the winter. Why else wouldn’t it be growing? It has the same environment as the rest of the trees. It has had the same amount of water, sun, and nutrients.
Here is what the tree looked like:
Here are a couple of my fruit trees the same morning:
After a few weeks I checked back.
As you can see, every other tree in this picture is covered in fresh new leaves. I am starting to notice that there are tiny buds on the hickory now! So now I know that it’s not actually dead. Here is the tree a couple of weeks later:
It’s alive!! It looks like the other trees now.
The Bible mentions different kinds of trees many times. I was actually super surprised at all of the trees it talks about. From the tree in the Garden of Eden, to the Mustard and Fig Tree in the new testament. There were many lessons that Jesus used them for.
He started to teach me a little bit about this Hickory tree of mine.
The Hickory Tree had the same environment but it looked completely different. It was still a tree just as much as the oak and the fruit trees, but it looked different. It was on a different timeline as the others. Here was the nugget:
This was God’s wonderful design.
The Word says:
Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP “There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven”
God is a wonderful creator and loves variety! Look at humans. We are the same but also are very unique. This is God’s wonderful design! Not only in looks and personality do we vary, but the timing of the good works that He planned for us long ago.
Epehsians 2:10 NLT “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Maybe you are finding yourself in a season where things look dormant. They look like they actually might be dead. Maybe you are feeling a little frustrated because everyone around you seems to be thriving right now. It looks like God is working in their life and not yours. I just wanted to remind you friend that God is working! He is moving! The things that are dormant or look dead just may be sleeping or on a different timeline.
So back to my tree. The beginning of it’s blooming season had a different timeline, but it finished at the same time as the others. Out of all of the trees in our yard, it had the best grand finale. It was so special. I can’t actually describe what it looks like in person. It’s something you have to experience. When the light of the sun hits it, it just glows!
Your journey may look different than other believers running the same race with you. You may have a different timeline and that’s okay! Be free from comparison! God knows what he is doing. He knows where He is taking you and when.
He has not forgotten you.
I was not planning on writing that but Holy Spirit just intervened. 🙂 I don’t know who that is for, but I felt led to tell you that. He has not forgotten you! Oh the plans He has for you! You just wait! Just rest in the fact that He is working on your behalf.
I want to pray for you.
Lord I pray for my friends. I especially lift up the ones that feel knee deep in disappointment. They are struggling with doubt that you are good. Lord I pray that you would lift their chin. I break off disappointment off of them in the Name of Jesus! I break off the lie that you are forsaking them. I break off the lie that you have forgotten them! I pray for a fresh infusion of hope and joy in the season they are in! Remind them of how loved they are. Remind them Lord of how they are held by you. Remind them of your faithfulness and your goodness. We love you. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Love you friends! Cheering you on and praying for you!
Nerdy facts about Hickory Trees:
- They have a very impressive root system. They have a long taproot and horizontal roots.
- They are well known as one the most durable and strongest trees in the United States.
- They will need about 10-15 years of growth before they are ready to bear fruit.
- Because of their deep and impressive root system, they are able to withstand the strongest storms and winds without being uprooted.
