And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12: 9 NASB Many gardens are outlined by evergreen trees—some large and some small. The lodge pole pine is a tall, stately tree found in the high Western mountains. Commonly seen in Yellowstone National Park, the hardwood is also valuable for making railroad ties and poles. Its fragrant needle-shaped leaves grow in bundles and produce fruit—a woody pine cone, which takes two years to mature. An interesting feature of the lodge pole is its response to fire. When flames attack the tree, the heat causes the cones to burst. The seeds are then dispersed and natural reforestation occurs. New growth begins and a fresh forest eventually replaces the charred remains. During life’s trials, the fruit of our lives is also tested. Our spiritual maturity is revealed by how we respond. Do we see God’s hand at work, even when our hearts are scorched by pain and sorrow? Have we become intimately acquainted with our Savior so that we know He will somehow use it for good? When a young child was near death, friends gathered at the hospital to pray with the parents. Another mother, grieving over the loss of her own son, watched the praying group. She later received Christ as a result of the family’s testimony. Both mothers shared a tremendous loss, but they also share a bright hope of one day seeing their boys again in Heaven. After enduring the fires of adversity, we often learn that others have been watching with powerful results. Through trusting Him, their barren souls will burst into life and yield fruit for His glory.

Copyright 2000 Cook Communications Ministries. In the Garden With God by Honor Books. Used with permission. May not be further reproduced. All rights reserved.

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