Allergy season is here. Every year the pollen seems to be worse than the year before. I load up on the nasal sprays, ear drops and the antihistamines. As rough as the season is on my physical senses, things sure look pretty. The sun seems brighter, bees are flying around and trees are certainly putting out blooms. The earth seems to be waking up from a winter’s nap. I found myself on a road the other day lined with Bradford Pear trees. You could tell they had been there a long time. They were big. I noticed how many branches were on each tree. Those tree trunks have to be very sturdy to hold up all that weight. Interestingly, you would think all the weight would just pull the tree down, but those branches grow up and out! God truly is an amazing Engineer. 

The Lord reminded me of something while looking at those trees. Just like the trunk supports the branches in the physical world we see, Jesus supports His children in the spiritual realm we don’t see. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Okay. Jesus is informing us here of something extremely important. He IS The Tree trunk. Not sometimes. All of the time. We, if we’re His children, are an appendage of who He is. We are part of this wonderful family but we are not the leader of the family. He is. He will give us what we need and cheer us on as we grow up and out for His glory on the earth. He tells everyone, whether they belong to Him or not, that apart from Him, they can do nothing. People are so concerned with their personal achievements and accomplishments. He’s saying that if it is truly an accomplishment, it’s because of Him. He enables us to do what we do. 

“For in him we live and move and exist.” (‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭17‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬) We can’t even take our next breath without Jesus. He declared the beginning and He will declare the end of the world as we know it. He doesn’t need us. He wants us. He loves us. He wants to be your Provider that enables you to literally do life. He wants you to be part of a strong family branch that is soaring. He wants to lift you up above your circumstances so you can see things from His perspective. Tree branches in the natural provide shade for people when they’re hot. They provide places for birds to rest. They provide food for nourishment. Shouldn’t we, as the branches of Jesus’ family, provide sustenance for those He puts in our path? Absolutely yes! And Jesus will give you what you need to do what He has assigned you to do. You don’t have to worry. Again, He’s in charge. 

If you are a branch connected to this rock solid Trunk, be encouraged today. No storm, no adversity or anything in all creation can undo the root system you are connected to. You can have confidence and courage to face anything because your Savior has defeated anything and everything that will ever try to harm you. In the natural, trees can and do fall. They’re sometimes cut down for other uses. The True Vine you’re connected to is no ordinary tree. It is completely indestructible. You don’t have to hang on for dear life. The Trunk supports you. “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬) The deeper your roots, the more free you become. You can actually learn to enjoy the wind and sway in rhythm with it instead of being afraid. Nothing can overpower The Tree Trunk.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.