Timberrr!



I hate that when that happens.



Dale and I live in an older neighborhood with a lot of mature trees. The trees are beautiful and provide wonderfully refreshing shade through these brutal summers. But they can be menacing, too.



What a storm we had last week! Last Wednesday we came home to find a tree toppled over against our house. It was a beautiful, 30', silver maple. And it decided it was tired of standing! Fortunately, only the very top of the tree hit the edge of the roof. The damage was minimal.

OBSERVATION:



I have an observation. Trees fall. It's what they do. Eventually.



Are you kidding me?



     Troubles come.





          Eventually.

               To all of us.

The only real variable is, how will we respond to them when they come?

CONCLUSION:



I don't think so.

I have a conclusion. It makes a difference what resources you bring to the troubles that come into your life. In my situation, the combination of the right tools, a great neighbor, Dave Mayo, my friend Weldon Price (Weldon knows how to do EVERYTHING!), and several hours of manual labor took care of the problem.



The word of God teaches us that we have to have the right resources at our disposal to deal with the threats and dangers of life. Paul wrote, "So use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up. But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God's approval.  Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God.  In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit--which is the Word of God" (Eph 6:13-17,LB).

Don't go out there alone. Trees fall.



Now that's more like it.