Surviving Drought

Jeremiah 17:5 .He says that those who draw their strength from "mere flesh" will be like a " bush in the wastelands" and be unable to "see prosperity when it comes"(vs 5-6). In sharp contrast are those who put their trust in God instead of people, like trees, their strong, deep roots draw strength from Him, enabling them to remain full of life, even in the midst of drought- like circumstances. Just as in the last lesson Abide in the Vine. Remember John 15:5 "I am the vine, (Jesus) ye(us) we are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bring forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Take for instance Tumbleweeds and trees both have roots.Tumbleweeds, however, don't stay connected to their life source, causing them to dry out and die. Trees, on the other hand, remain connected to their roots, enabling them to flourish and thrive, anchored to that which will sustain them in times of difficulty. Some trees are difficult to root that they need a specialized method known as air layering, which is the most successful in the early Spring. This is why we too will go through seasons of trials and tribulations. James 1:2- My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. God wants to produce fruit in our lives. Just as apple tree produces apples. We are a God-tree we are required to produce God-fruit. Galatians 22-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is first, love joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. We don't produce all this fruit at one time though. John 15: 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (prunes) it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Proper pruning in trees encourages strong growth, increases flower and fruit production, improves plant health, and removes damaged limbs, all which gives aesthetic appeal to a tree. Reduce risk of failure from dead or weak branches. We all love to look at beautiful trees. I love the variety of colors that trees can produce. Matthew 5: 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be his. Trees produce shade. But we are to give light for all the world to see. Finally John 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.