We are all standing for something; the question we must ask ourselves is are we standing for that which will endure

The magnificent redwood trees of California, now aptly named the ‘drive through’ trees have become somewhat of a tourist spot; allowing visitors to literally drive their car through a passage cut into the trunk of a tree.

While it may sound strange, as men don’t we all desire to be like these incredible trees? Giants known and looked up to by many. Mighty towers of strength standing high above; a channel of passage, a life-giving source of shelter, strength, and refuge to all who seek it.

Yet while the desire may be there, most days it feels like the safer bet is to just stay low and simply… survive. Between the harsh storms and the opposing cultural threats we encounter, for most of us, it feels hard enough to just stay standing, let alone growing to new heights or giving shelter to others.

Of course, standing our ground is fairly easy when we have a forest surrounding us; But what about those moments when we face resistance or adversity alone? This is where we will see how strong we truly are.

As we know, deforestation is creating problems for our world. With an estimated 2,400 trees being cut down every minute, we are sacrificing long term benefits for short term gains which poses a serious threat to the earth’s climate and ecosystems

Most trees standing in the path of this force will stand no chance

Likewise, being a man who is determined to grow deep roots and a strong heart is not an easy thing in a culture that has made it very clear that short term gains take priority over long term growth. Like a tree facing the looming threat of deforestation, so he who stands against this opposing force will also face the threat of being torn down.

We watch as stronger trees fall around us and question whether it is even worth it; understandably struggling with how to have heart and be courageous. 

There will be many men who in an effort to simply survive will give in and relocate to less valuable land; essentially giving up any and all growth they’ve made. They may live out the remainder of their lives comfortably but at what cost? 

Sadly, others will ignore what is taking place and easily be take down; ultimately forgotten and lost in the piles of debris.

The result in either case is as we would expect… barren and fruitless wastelands

BUT, there is Hope

For out of the forest, will emerge a few strongly rooted ones, who will dig in and face the brunt force of the opposition, experiencing many hardships but far greater victories; often defeating and outlasting the efforts of those set on removing them. 

For these resilient ones who have rooted themselves in the true source of life, they will become like the tree described in Daniel 4:11:

‘The tree grew large and strong, its top touched the sky. It was visible to the ends of the earth’

Men, there it is. The image we all so desire our life to be… reaching new heights and standing high above for all to see.

Stand Courageous and Stand Strong