Tree Problems

Bible Reading: James 1:2-4

“No job yet, Dad?” Cody asked when he got home from school. Dad shook his head, and Cody sighed. At the factory where Dad worked, many people—including Dad—had lost their jobs. Dad had not yet been able to find another one. Cody was worried about it, and he was sure Dad must be too.

The next day, Cody stopped by his Sunday school teacher’s house. Mr. Carter was making cabinets in the garage, and as they chatted, Cody noticed a big difference in the various pieces of wood his teacher was using. “The grain in some of the wood is so smooth and straight,” Cody said, “and other pieces have lots of circles and twists.”

Mr. Carter nodded. “Some people like one kind of grain in the wood, and some like the other. Which do you like best?”

“I like the pieces with the circles and twists,” Cody replied. “What makes the difference in the grain?”

“That part you like is called a burl or knot,” Mr. Carter replied. “Burls are found where a branch went out from the tree trunk. They can also be caused by a problem in the life of the tree—like when insects invade a certain section of it, or when the tree had a disease.”

“So if the tree has problems it makes the wood prettier?” Cody asked.

Mr. Carter smiled. “Yes. It’s wonderful how God works that out. And you know what, Cody? Even more wonderful is how God takes the problems in my life and turns them into something beautiful. Even though it hurts when I experience difficult things, I can trust that Jesus will use them to make the grain of my life—my character—more like His. He’ll do that for you too.”

On the way home, Cody thought about what Mr. Carter had said. “Hey, Dad,” he said when he walked into the house, “all these problems God is allowing us to have are making beautiful burls in the grain of our lives.” He grinned at Dad’s puzzled look.

After Cody explained what he meant, Dad nodded. “Good lesson,” he said. “I think a couple of the beautiful burls God wants to develop in our lives are to be patient and trust in Him.” – A. W. Smith

How About You?

Are you having problems in your life? Maybe someone in your family is sick or lost their job. Problems and trials aren’t fun, but remember that Jesus promises to be with you in everything you go through. He will use the difficulties in your life to develop your character and help you learn to be patient and trust in Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
James 1:3 The testing of your faith produces patience. (KJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Problems teach patience