Cedars and Life
Mustard Seed Chronicles: Story Time with LU Grandma
I have a piece of wood that looks all shredded in my office. When someone comes in that needs help, I tell them outright that they will think I am nuts as I pick this piece of wood up. And they look at me like I am. That always makes me smile. I tell them this story:
We live by a big power line that sits at the edge of our driveway. Next to our property is a strip of land owned by the power company. A couple years ago my husband called me and said, “The power company just brought big shredders and they have shredded your wild Blackberry patch and the scrub trees and even cut some big Tulip Poplars and Oak trees that are on the property next to us and it’s just total carnage!”
After I got home from work, we went out to view it and were walking through all of this mess. I happened to kick something.
I don’t know if the Lord ever does this with you, but over time, He’s done this with me. Not in a creepy way, but He speaks to my heart through His Holy Spirit and it is like He is standing next to me. That day He said, “Pick that up.”
I looked heavenward and asked, “Pick it up?” So, I picked it up.
He asked, “Timi, what does that look like to you?”
Twirling this shredded piece around in my hand, I said, “Lord, it looks like a piece of firewood that should go in the fireplace.” He said, “Turn it over and smell it.” I did and said, “Lord, I didn’t even know we had any Cedar trees! It smells so good!”
He said, “Turn it over again.” I did and He said, “Timi, this is what the world wants to do to Christians…shred them like this piece of wood.” Then He said, “Turn it over again and tap it with your finger.“ I did and said, “Wow, Lord, that’s hard!”
He said, “Timi, people use Cedar for furniture, siding, fence posts, etc. for a couple of reasons: it doesn’t rot, it repels bugs, and it smells really nice, too! Timi, if your heart is strong in Me, you will be like a sweet smelling savor to me and to those around you. Turn it over again. Now what does it look like?”
I said in surprise, “Lord, it looks like one of the big speed boats that raced on Lake Ontario! The water would shoot out the back like a big rooster tail!” He said, “Romans 8:28, Timi, never forget it – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (NLT).
The piece of Cedar used to have a much bigger tail and more shreds, but over time, I have broken pieces off and taped them to my business card along with the mustard seed as a reminder of God’s story.
Jesus said to Peter, in Luke 22:31-32 “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift [you] as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to [Me], strengthen your brethren” (NKJV).
Prayer:
Dear Father, especially in these times of such uncertainty and high levels of anxiety, please help us to remember these things. May they encourage us to not live our lives in fear, but in expectation of what You are going to accomplish in us and through us by persevering. Even if at the time we seem to be “shredded by the world” help us to always look for the beauty in our circumstances.
In the Precious name of Jesus! Amen!
Meet the Author
Timi Plyter
“LU Grandma”
Lead Parent Advocate
