There's a Blessing in the Storm (Part 2)

Ezekiel 41:17-18

“The inside walls of the temple, up as high as above the doors, were completely covered with carvings of palm trees and winged creatures. Palm trees alternated with creatures, one following the other, all the way around the room” (GNTD).

Psalm 92:12a

“The righteous will flourish like palm trees; they will grow like cedars of Lebanon.” (GNTD).

Roots

I was having a conversation with my father a few months ago about today’s verse in Ezekiel.  God had shown me Ezekiel 42 just before I was about to enter into my next test or storm, but for the life of me I could not figure out why. Verses 17-18 stood out to me, but I didn’t see any possible connection or significance it had in my life. I would read it and then re-read it during really tough days, but I never quite got it. “Maybe one day you will reveal the meaning,” I whispered to God.

After I shared the verse with my father he began to tell me about the life and growth of a palm tree. “You see, he said in his teaching voice, ‘in order for palm trees to grow they have to go through storms.’”

“When the tropical storms come, the torrential rains and wind force the roots of the tree to go deeper.’ ‘This is how they are able to withstand the heavy winds and rains.’”

“Think about it, he continued, ‘have you ever seen a healthy, stately palm tree in climates that are calm and cold?’”

 “No,” I replied as I thought about it.

“That’s right,’ he concluded. ‘The palm tree was designed to flourish and grow in storms.’”

WOW! I was stunned as well as amazed by the revelation. My amazement was twofold, one because months before my storm would begin God had giving me hope, assurance and encouragement that I would make it through the storm.  Secondly, God viewed me as a palm tree, which in the Amplified version of the bible says is long-lived, stately, upright, useful and fruitful. Little ole me?  Whoa, that was pretty heavy for me, in a good way.

My soul can’t help but burst into thanksgiving to God for speaking life into my situation and allowing the storm to come so our relationship could mature, become more intimate and my spiritual walk deeply rooted in His love, so that no matter what may come, I will bend to His will and come out stronger than before. Isn’t that a blessing?

What storm are you facing today - financial hardship, strained relationships, spiritual wasteland, failing health? Whatever the storm may be, rest assured that God is with you. You are not alone. Start rejoicing today and remember that when the storm has ended you will flourish like the palm tree, and you will be unmovable. This is God’s promise to you!