The olive tree

After our visit to the Garden of Gethsemane, we came across this olive tree and it is believed to be over 2,000 years old. Over the years, this tree has not moved. It has survived earthquakes and storms. While other trees may have been damaged and knocked down, this one still stands. But why? It has a solid foundation. It is deeply rooted on the ground. I remember our guide saying that when a branch from the tree is removed, another one grows back. There is life within the tree that forces itself to bear more branches whenever it loses one. This is exactly how strong a Christian who is deeply rooted in the Word of God is, just as the Parable in Matthew 7:24-27 says:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

I remember speaking to Big Sister, Mrs Evelyn afterwards and I was saying to her how the example of the tree reminded me of the verse in 2 Corinthians: 8-9 that says “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed“.

If you are easily moved by situations, you find yourself in despair when you hear bad news, you are constantly questioning if God is with you or not, then maybe you need to check who’s words you have been giving ears to and embracing, the word of God or the word of the devil.

Build your life upon the Word of God and you will see, when storms come and bad situations arise you will not be moved, but will find strength to carry on and will overcome them all.