“Let the weak say, ‘I am strong!'” Joel 3:10

The Giant Tree

In recent weeks a number of people have sent me words of encouragement about Floyd. The theme of all of them is that even though he is lying quietly in a hospital bed, his life is still producing fruit. He is still ministering to people through his books and sermons. Even though he cannot physically speak at the moment, his “voice” is not silent.

These words have rung true in my heart as they are what I have felt from the Lord as well. In a way that only God can orchestrate, Floyd is being used by the Lord to “speak” around the world.

So when I received a photo from two friends that seemed to be a visual expression of this, my heart leapt! I thought immediately “this is what is happening with Floyd.” I’m attaching the photo at the bottom. It was a visual “amen” to what I had been feeling in my heart. My gentle giant (like the giant tree) is fallen, but I believe there is still wonderful life flowing from Him by God’s goodness and grace.

I love how God can take us in our “fallen” condition, and bring life. Not just life—but vibrant, thriving, rich, growing life! He uses us in our weakness and brokenness. He doesn’t give up on us. He doesn’t say it’s over—He finds a way to still help us grow and produce fruit.

I, too, have felt weak, broken, and fallen in many ways. So much has changed in my life the last few years. My “new normal” looks nothing like the past. And yet I find God speaking to me that He has life, growth, and fruit for me, too. I can identify both with the fallen tree, and with the rich, green branches.

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever” (Psalm 73:26 NLT).

The Bible is full to overflowing with verses that assure us God will meet us in our weakness, and use us in spite of it! Hudson Taylor, the great missionary, said, “All God’s giants were weak people.”

“Thank You, Lord, that You don’t give up on us when we fall. You help us and bring new life!”