I am currently doing the on-line Bible study A Confident Heart by Renee Swope with the Proverbs31.org girls. In my reading today Renee mentions Isa. 61:3 it says: “…….They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Does this speak to you like it did me? We are like mighty oak trees. We are the branches, Jesus is the trunk, and God is the root system. Though the winds of adversity come and our branches sway we are firmly planted and will not be moved. If a branch is broken then have faith that, like all trees that are pruned, we will be more beautiful and fruitful. God will and must eradicate things from our lives that do not align with His plan for us. Aren’t you glad about that? I sure am. His ways are definitely higher than mine and I trust Him completely with my life. I love oak trees they really do remind me of strength. They are beautiful in the summer, but oh so beautiful in the fall. Those rich colors just before they rest for the winter. Year after year enduring the rains and the snow, the winds and the scorching heat- always beautiful and steadfast. I pray my life is the same. Do I fail? You bet-but I am thankful I have the opportunity because of precious shed blood to repent and move forward. His plan will only come to fruition if we continue in His word and stand strong in the face of adversity which I have so faced and continue to everyday. Praying– rather claiming God’s promises for my life and the lives of those I love is my shield of defense against that sneaky snake in my garden. He is such a real force that we battle everyday and lest we forget he is ready to devour us and our families at any wrong turn. Thank God that He is omnipotent and the absolute ruler of all-nothing happens to us before being sifted through Him. Remind yourself of that truth often. His plans are to give us hope and a future to prosper and not harm us. (Jer. 29:11) When you see the mighty oak trees sprinkled across God’s canvas –think of yourself and the strength and beauty God has placed within you and tell the snake to get out of your garden because you are a child of the Most High and he has no power over you.