May 30: The Tree of Life in the Midst of Trials

-

 



By Hilreth Morgan 


Key Text:
“In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:2 (NKJV)

The Tree of Life symbolizes God’s original and perfect plan for us. A world untouched by sin, pain, suffering, fear, or death. It first appeared in Eden as part of God’s flawless creation.“And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden…” Genesis 2:9 (NKJV)

Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve lived in complete harmony with God. There was no death, heartbreak, no grief, no anxiety, and no suffering. Products of sin. The Tree of Life stood as a symbol of eternal fellowship with the Creator. After sin entered, our access to that tree was broken. God is fighting for us and actively creating that bridge between Him and us.
What gives me hope is that Revelation shows the Tree of Life once again, not hidden, not guarded, but restored to God’s redeemed people.

This reminds me that trials, heartache, and pain were never meant to be part of my story. They were never God’s original design for humanity. Every tear, every disappointment, and every spiritual battle is temporary. One day, all things will be restored, and the untouched Tree of Life will finally find its home among God’s people again. “Then they that have kept God’s commandments shall breathe in immortal vigor beneath the tree of life… a sample of the perfect work of God’s creation, untouched by the curse of sin.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 62)

The Tree of Life is therefore more than a future reward, it is a promise that restoration is coming and the products of sin will be no more. As Christians, we are living in the middle of a spiritual war. Some days the battles feel overwhelming. Trials press heavily upon us, and the pain of life can make us weary. Yet God continually reminds us that we are not fighting alone. He said fear not, for I am with you. God stands beside us ready in battle formation, ready to strengthen, protect, sustain, and uphold us under pressure. Be strong and of good courage. God does not merely ask us to endure; He fortifies us for battle. He surrounds us with His presence and gives us the strength to stand when life becomes difficult.

I remember as a child how fearless my sister seemed whenever trouble came. She believed that once she could get to me, everything would be alright, even if that meant a fight was necessary. That childlike confidence reminds me of the assurance we have in Christ. No matter how difficult the journey becomes, we know that once we are safely in the hands of Jesus, every battle, every trial, and every sorrow will finally come to an end.

In this world shaped and scarred by sin, God is preparing a people (you and I) who will once again live in harmony with Him. The Tree of Life stands as another evidence that healing, restoration, and eternal joy are ahead.

Like the Tree of Life, we too will soon find our home. We will have endured the storms of life, and our troubles will finally be over. Sorrow will give way to joy. Pain will give way to peace. The warfare of this earth will cease, and eternal life with Christ will begin.

Better days are coming.

Prayer
Lord, thank You for the promise of restoration and eternal life. In the midst of trials, help me remember that pain was never Your plan for me and that one day all things will be made new. Strengthen me for the battles I face, uphold me under pressure, and keep my eyes fixed on the hope of the Tree of Life and Eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

March 16 Anxious but Anchored

-
Image
Carol Nyack Shepherdess Cayman Islands Conference of SDA Theme: Trusting God when anxiety creeps in . It was a cool February evening, and I was reaching the end of my rope in more ways than one. I was partially laid up with a broken ankle, having just shattered my beautiful flowerpot. At the same time, vacuuming, and then, minutes later, discovered that my unlocked car had been ransacked during the night. I glanced at my husband resting on the sofa. He remained unbothered by my recounting of events. I then contacted our older son. While on the phone, my husband calmly said, "Ask him to come take me to the hospital." There was no complaint of pain, no urgency in his voice—just a quiet request. At this point, I knew prayer was more important than questioning.  Our son arrived, and just as my husband turned to kiss me and leave, I grabbed him to pray. On the way to the hospital, things took a drastic do...
Read more

January 11: Help! I Am A Worrier.

-
Image
Help! I Am A Worrier. Author : Sharon Campbell-Danvers, Shepherdess, Educator Theme : Contentment in Christ. Finding peace and joy in God regardless of circumstances Peace of mind is a valuable commodity that cannot have a price tag placed on it. If worrying was a product, I would be rich.  Peace of mind is precious and closely aligned with our mental health and well-being. Truth be told, so many things seek to distract us from what is truly important and what gives us true peace. This is a struggle for me. I need a piece of peace! A big slice. Whopper version, supersized. Women are confronted with many issues that impact their peace of mind. The woman with the issue of blood was in a deep place for twelve years (Mark 5:25-34). Mary and Martha watched their brother die and wept (John 11:1-44). The woman at the well was searching for deeper meaning in her life without even knowing it until she came in contact with Jesus (John 4:1-26). Hannah was troubled at home and could find no ...
Read more

June 15: The Coat of Many Blessings

-
Image
The Coat of Many Blessing's Theme: God’s Favor on my “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.” Genesis 37:3 (KJV) Jolen Whyte King’s Seventh-Day Adventist  There’s a garment woven not by human hands but by the sovereign grace of God. A vibrant coat that marks you as His chosen, beloved child. When doubt whispers that you don’t belong, remember: this coat is not earned by perfection or pedigree. It’s His gift, threaded with mercy and purpose, meant to cover every wound and illuminate every step. As you turn each page of your life, you will discover those threads of grace transforming even the darkest chapters into a tapestry of hope. I know what it’s like to have nothing to my name, dropping out of high school at fifteen, facing teenage motherhood, and hearing every voice around me say my story was over before it began. Yet in the midst of that wilderness, God quietly began to stitch His favor ...
Read more