Oaks of Righteousness

                               “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord 

                                               for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3

This is exactly who you are created to be—an oak of righteousness.  You actually “display” the splendor of the Lord.  You may be struggling with the thought that you were created for such a divine purpose, thinking that you feel far from “righteous” and definitely not a reflection of the Lord demonstrating his splendor.  My friend, you have been hearing from the enemy and today is the day to know the truth.

Knowing an Oak tree is one of the largest trees might not seem important to this picture unless you think about the canopy that a large tree provides.  God made you to shield, shelter and protect many.  Your “branches” or influence can reach a wide range of people and have an impact you may not even realize. Ask God to show you those that He has placed under your canopy and encourage them today.  

For some of you, being compared to a hard wood may not seem the least bit flattering.  But when you know that hard woods tend to be disease and insect resistant it might feel more like a complement.  You are called (by God) an ‘oak of righteousness”.  So not only are you able, through Jesus Christ, to resist attacks, but because of HIs blood you get to be his very righteousness.  “Not by works that any man should boast.” The deck is stacked in your favor.  

So why is it so hard to walk in all that we were created to be?  It is because there is an enemy and his desire is to destroy you and anything good that could come through you.  But we are stronger than whatever he can throw at us.  Why? Because we serve a risen Savior who is in the world TODAY.  It is not just a neat saying, we really can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength. Our challenge is to not give up.  When life is hard, when people are mean, when all seems impossible we are going to keep stepping.  

This blog is going to be a reminder that you are not alone.  There is hope.  You were created with an identity and a voice. And there is a purpose for your life.  God loves you so much He sent his only Son for YOU.  If He loves you this much, you must be amazing!