“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
Series: The Gift of Faith
We often face daunting challenges of doubt, fear, insecurity, or those heavy burdens that feel impossible to carry. Maybe you’re dealing with a tough season right now—in a relationship, with financial circumstances, a health scare, or crippling uncertainty. The secure truths we learn by placing God’s word in our hearts will help us weather through the struggles.
I faced one of the scariest challenges I’ve ever encountered in January. My husband’s health has been declining over the past several years. We’d gotten used to “good” days and “bad” days, and have learned to stay calm during emergencies. This day was different.
Panic flooded me, and my calm demeanor slipped away in the face of this crisis. I only survived by reminding myself that though the storms of life rage around me, I have hope as an anchor for my soul, firm and secure. I can’t rely on myself, or anyone, or anything—only on God.
Jesus talks about faith that can truly move mountains and the fruit that grows on our trees. We need that level of faith and the plentiful fruit that comes from abiding in Christ, learning His word, and trusting in all His promises to endure those storms. Matthew 21:18-22 (HCSB), reads:
Early in the morning, as He was returning to the city, He was hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He went up to it and found nothing on it except leaves. And He said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” At once the fig tree withered. When the disciples saw it, they were amazed and said, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Jesus answered them, “I assure you: If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tell this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done. And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Faith is putting our trust in God’s amazing ability to make the impossible possible. When we approach life with strong, unwavering faith—believing God can move the mountains of our doubts, fears, and challenges—we open the door to incredible experiences.
Faith is not just about asking for what we want; it’s about syncing our hearts with God’s wonderful plan, trusting His perfect timing, and staying open to how He works in our lives. Our faith invites us to pray—an ongoing, heartfelt conversation with God that shapes our desires and strengthens our trust in Him. God may say, “Will you trust Me when things get tough? Will you love Me if this doesn’t end the way you want? Will you embrace My timing and ways?”
I hope my answer—and yours—will always be a heartfelt “yes!”
Our journeys with God are shaped by the time we spend in prayer and the truths we learn and trust from His Word. This will give us the confidence and strength to carry on, even when it feels like our world is falling apart.
When those thoughts of “No Lord, this is not how it’s supposed to happen!” and a million “What Ifs” flood our minds in moments of trial, heartache, and loss, what will our response be? We might think we are ready for such occasions because we know they are looming on the horizon, but facing them head-on shows us just how prepared—or unprepared—we may be.
From the outside looking in, one might suppose all is well in your world. You may even say, “It is well,” with convincing confidence. But do you believe it with all that is within you?
Just like a fruit tree needs time, care, and attention to produce its delicious fruit year after year, our faith also needs nurturing. Do you ever wonder how a fruit tree thrives through life’s difficulties? It’s by having strong, deep roots.
Fruit can’t grow on a branch without being connected to the tree and receiving nutrients that grow from the roots. They work together to produce the good fruit. While we can’t control what happens around us, we have the power to choose how we respond. Are we going to blame God, or are we ready to plant our roots deeper into Him?
Jesus understands our struggles and temptations. It’s up to us to lean on Him for strength and wisdom as we navigate life’s storms together. The next time you stand at the base of one of life’s mountains, remember the valuable lessons from God’s Word and the enduring hope found only in Him.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Stephanie – Guest Writer
Scripture References: Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-26; Hebrews 6:19; John 15:1-17
