I recently took a picture of a tree with one leaf hanging on. It was like the tree was clinging to the leaf, not wanting to let the leaf fall, because once that last leaf falls, the tree enters its winter season and sleeps.
During winter months, the tree sits doing what it must, sleeping to maintain its energy so that when Spring comes, life will sprout again from its branches.
We can learn so much from nature. God wants us to sit still and know that even in our coldest seasons of life, He provides the strength we need. That soon, life will once again blossom and grow.
God is working behind the scenes like the tree is working to preserve energy. Working on our hearts, preparing us for the journey ahead. We must remember that our trials are not wasted; Romans 5:3-5 teaches us:
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character. Character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
God is pouring His love into us, teaching us, instructing us, and guiding us toward the future that He has for us. That tree will blossom come Spring, and so will we. We have to wait on the Lord and trust Him.
As you look toward a new year, I pray that you take each step, trusting God and knowing that He will never leave your side. May this next year be a year of blessings as you move forward with God.
Following His Lead 