THE BEND
Endurance is defined as the ability to withstand hardship or adversity. Can you recall such a time? I'm pretty sure that each of us can recall a time in our lives when we experienced some type of adversity or hardship that left behind a broken heart, disappointment, or brokenness. Sometimes that season of hardship comes and goes, and other times it seems to never end. When those seasons eventually end they leave a mark, sometimes a scar that stays with us as a reminder of what we just endured. Yes, that’s right...you endured. You came out on the other side a little taller, a little stronger, and no longer the same. You got a new bend.
THE BEND IS NOT THE END.
IT'S JUST ONE STOP ON THE JOURNEY.
The Aspen is neither the biggest nor the strongest tree in the forest, but it is definitely one of the toughest. Each year a young Aspen must endure through the winter and the pressure of heavy snowfall. The pressure of the snow will not allow the Aspen to grow straight up. The Aspen's growth is met with resistance. You see, it's the pressure, the adversity that will ultimately help shape the young Aspen. The Aspen knows only one direction and that's up, so it fixes its eyes on the light from the Sun and grows out of the snow...straight up. The spring arrives, the snow melts, that young Aspen stands taller, stronger, but with one noticeable difference. That Aspen now has its first bend.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
BE ENCOURAGED
When I see an Aspen with multiple bends I think to myself, wow, that tree had to endure through many harsh winters, but look at it now. It's still pointing toward the light, the source of its strength.
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Be encouraged. You are much more valuable to God than the Aspen tree. As you begin to collect your own personal bends please know that you do not have to go through it alone. Put your trust in the Lord. He will walk with you and from time to time, He will carry you. He will strengthen you. He will mend your broken heart, cover the disappointment with his grace, and make you whole once again.
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Be encouraged. God wants to walk with you on this journey.
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Only Believe.