"Stand Firm!"

The Divi-divi tree is the national tree of Curacao. On the island, this tree is never straight because of the trade winds, a wind blowing almost continually from east to west toward the equator. Although bent, it remains firmly rooted and its pods are used to extract tannins for leather production. This tree, if left to grow in another environment, would reach an approximate height of nine feet and would be dome-like in shape.

As Christians, we are like the Divi-divi tree continually assuaged by the trade winds (known as “an east wind”) of the world. What trade wind is blowing you around and how are you taking cover from the wind? There are several references to “an east wind” in the Bible; an east wind has been know to cause a tree to shrivel and be stripped of its fruit (Ezekiel 19:12). And while this wind may cause us to bend, we are able to remain rooted in the sound teachings of God’s Living Word because of our faith and love in Jesus Christ that guards the Spirit which dwells within each one of us. (2 Timothy 1:14) When we take refuge (cover) in God and His Living Word we will be like the tree planted by the water with no fear of heat or drought and we will produce fruit! (Jeremiah 17:8) When an east wind starts to blow in your life remember Jesus has the power to rebuke the wind ~ “Peace! Be still.” (Mark 4:39).

What is extracted from the Christian planted in God and His Living Word? Our product, our outpouring is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Like the Divi-divi tree, we are planted in various environments and we vary in height, appearance and gifts by the grace given to us. (Romans 12:6) Stand firm! (James 5:8)

I encourage you, fellow Christians, “Hold on to your hats and grab your Bibles, it’s going to be an adventurous ride!” ~ Kim