I wrote about the tree that God gave us in our front flowerbed a couple of years ago. A quick reminder: I wanted a tree but could not afford to buy one. While growing flowers, April and I noticed a maple tree starting to grow. I have nurtured it for three years.

This spring, the tree was getting big and growing close to the house, so I knew it was time to move it. I started digging, and it was then that I realized just how big the root system had grown in three years. I had to cut through some of the roots, but I was finally able to get the tree out. I had bought a burlap sack to put the root system in and used as much of the dirt from where the tree was initially growing as I could.

I dug a hole where the tree’s new home would be. After placing the root ball in the hole, I filled it with more dirt. Then, I poked a hole in the dirt and added lots of water. Two days later, I thought the tree had died. All of the leaves had turned brown and shriveled up. I was heartbroken, but I kept on watering it.

On the third day after the transplant, I prayed. I said, “God, you gave us this tree, and you know I wanted a tree. I was so excited when I discovered it growing in the flower garden. Please, God, don’t let this tree die.” For the next several days, I watered the tree a lot.

Then one day, while watering, I noticed some small green buds sprouting. I started to tear up with joy overflowing in my spirit. God had answered my prayer. My tree was going to make it and grow in its new home. God is so good and cares so much for us.

Maybe you have recently been transplanted, and the move or change doesn’t seem to be going well. Perhaps you feel as though you are going to die. Tell God about how you are feeling. Remind him of his promises and tell him what you need in order to make it. He’s there listening and waiting for you to invite him into your situation.

No one can see your root system. They don’t know what God put inside the burlap sack to nourish you or the people He has placed in your life to help you. To water you and to feed your soul. I know God, and I know he planned this out a long time ago for your life. He is not a so-called “Fly by the seat of his pants, God.” He is supreme and omnipotent. He knows what He is doing. Despite how things look on the outside (dead leaves), you’re going to make it. You’re going to survive, and in fact, you’re going to thrive as long as you keep trusting God.

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
    the woman who sticks with God.
They’re like trees replanted in Eden,
    putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
    never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
    bearing fresh fruit every season. Jer. 17:7-8 (MSG)

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