A few years ago, I had the joy of walking through a forest with Redwood and Sycamore trees while in California. Nature and its gift for the senses is one of my favorite treasures in life. As I walked on the forest floor, eyes gazing up toward the sky and down to each enormous tree trunk, I stopped to observe a massive Sycamore that had fallen on its side. It was easy to spot among the nearby trees, each standing upright displaying an awe-worthy height as if deliberately designed to command attention. I navigated through the brush to get a closer look, and it was evident that the tree had been lying parallel to the ground for a very long time.

I stood facing the base of the tree that was once connected to the earth and marveled at the root system. It was spilling out from the Sycamore trunk in perfect condition — its vascular system that transports water, minerals and food remained untouched, adjoining the surface of the soil beneath. Although the tree seemed unstable and looked out of place in comparison to its surroundings, as I examined the circumstance in greater detail, the tree was sound, deeply rooted and flourishing!

This experience, as well as many others, has developed a curiosity within me about the connection between our external circumstances, our internal response and how God fits into the situation.

Reflect on a time when you endured pain or difficulty due to an experience you couldn’t control?

I can think of many. The moment my father passed away while my hand, laying on his chest, felt the final heartbeat disappear from his body. Or, the twinge in my own heart when I was handed divorce papers, and years later being notified that the man I was once married to was no longer living.

We are emotional beings and when hardship is experienced, we too might feel like the fallen Sycamore. Our heartache, strife, hurt and confusion are common themes when struggling. There is no denying when we feel these emotions, it allows us to be present to journey through them. Yet, may we not allow our response to suffocate the truth of who God is in our time of need and what He continues to do on our behalf during the trial.

The truth is, even if your current position has you feeling far from sturdy and upright, God remains your source. We are weak, but He is strong. His power, love and grace are forever the same.

From my human perspective, the tree appeared to be lifeless due to its position on the ground. Instead, the tree was flourishing because it remained connected to its main life source.

Who is your resource in time of need? Do you believe God is the same yesterday before your trial today, and beyond what you are enduring?

I forget this fact when struggling and I know, because I tend to retreat, find solutions and overcome on my own behalf. I tend to lose hope when life doesn’t unfold as I planned.

Many of us are deceived to think joy, pleasure or freedom is found only when life circumstances flow in our favor. I believe God is asking each of us to awaken to His Truth and allow His Spirit to work in and around us through our times of distress. God is faithful and always will be. He will cause us to thrive through adversity.

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

Defeated or victorious, if His Word is like a lamp unto our feet, trusting His Word and living beyond how we feel allows Him to direct us in, though and out of all circumstances. Use the spiritual wisdom He has planted deep within you. He has already conquered your trials — why not confidently lean into the richness and bounty of our Life Source?

If you feel like the fallen Sycamore, allow your spirit to remain awakened to the One who heals your wounds and reminds us He is always doing a new thing. Praise Him during your trial, surrender your feelings and align yourself with what He has promised.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19, AMPC)

Like a Fallen Sycamore Tree