From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Pastor Mark shared one time of a recent storm and he noticed that all the oaks were okay, but many of the willows were uprooted and blown over…the only thing to do with them was to cut them up and haul them away.

What made the difference with the end result of the two trees? Well, the roots of an oak go way, way down. Those roots go as far down as the tree goes up, and as far out as it is wide! The oaks were so deeply rooted, that the storm could not uproot them.

The roots on the willows, on the other hand, were shallow. Willows get to be big trees but because of the shallow roots, they are much more susceptible to be destroyed in a storm.

THE OAK—it has strength in a storm plus beauty and majesty.

THE WILLOW—it only has the beauty and majesty.

Which are you? You attend church, give a tithe, and smile at the picnics (beauty and majesty only); or are you one with vision, character, future, hope, determination, service to your church and your community (strength plus beauty and majesty).

Read Psalm 1 which shows you how to have the deep roots in Christ which can weather the storms of life. Endure the fire...it's producing pure gold!

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