Two beautiful, mature trees stood in our backyard. They looked healthy on the outside for many years. But we started noticing that birds and squirrels were making it their home. We noticed holes in several places, so we asked the tree experts. They confirmed the trees were sick and had to go. It took us a couple of years to decide it was time to cut the trees as they were now a threat to fall on our deck and damage our house.
The day came when the “tree guys” started cutting all the branches, one at a time starting from the top down. Until it was time to cut the big trunks which was easier to cut than they thought… One was completely hallowed and the other one was rotted on the inside. They said the trees were in big danger of falling in the next windstorm that would come our way.
As I saw the majestic trees coming down, I expressed my sadness to God and said, “Lord, why did we have to get rid of these beautiful trees that provided shade to us and beauty to our backyard—in addition to costing a ton of money?” The Lord gently responded in my heart, “Sometimes you need to get rid of obstacles that are right in front of you and that look beautiful, in order to see the grand view in front of you. My plans for what lies ahead are so much bigger than what you see up close.”
What an amazing revelation. A beautiful thing can be deceiving! I wiped my tears and praised God for the “new view” of my backyard which expands over an acre beyond our deck. We have nature that we cannot touch by city ordinance. We have a pond, all kinds of trees, deer, turtles, geese, ducks, herrings, birds of all types, one owl, and even an eagle visits us occasionally. What a gift to have this view in the middle of the suburbs.
As I write this message for you, I’m enjoying my new expanded and grandiose view. I’m in awe of God’s creation and what He’s done for me in my life. During this season, we know that even though everything looks dead on the outside, life is about to spring out. Pretty soon, life will come out of the trees, flowers will bloom, and the smell of a new Spring will be evident.
I wonder, what kinds of obstacles are in my life that prevent me from seeing God’s full plan for my life? I will ask God to show me. And I encourage you to do the same. I will leave you with one of my favorite scriptures:
Isaiah 55:8-11 (NLT)
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
“The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.