Planting through Suffering

When going through tough times it can be very easy to think we have nothing to offer and we can feel our resources have run out on every level. What difference can we possibly make to the world around us? 

I’ve discovered in the last three years that people are watching and observing the way we are dealing with things. Christian friends and family in particular have often commented on what they see. 

When we feel empty God can show up in ways that we never thought possible. I need to remind myself that what we do and say and just how honest we are, can actually be an inspiration to someone who is struggling in their own life and faith.

A verse in the Bible that has touched me somewhat in recent days is one that many of us would often overlook. 

Genesis 21:33

“Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God”. 

Abraham comes to Beersheba and plants a tree. Why do we need to know that? Trees are most likely being planted everyday. But why a tamarisk tree? This tree is very slow growing - about an inch each year! It produces no fruit or flower, and until it is established with deep roots it needs a lot of care and watering. Seems like Abraham had his work cut out! 

But what is amazing is that when Abraham planted this tree he knew it would not be for his benefit but for the benefit of those who would come after him. He was symbolically saying “I believe you God, and your promises to me and the generations after me”. 

Abraham knew that with his care this tamarisk tree would grow and establish and put down deep roots to find water. He knew this tree does well in hot, arid, windy conditions where pretty much nothing else will survive. 

Abraham knew this tree doesn’t have leaves, but needles with a high salt content which would provide cooler shade and shelter to future generations from the hostile conditions of the desert than any other tree or shrub.

Abraham plants the tree in Beersheeba, a part of land that would become the promised land. The Israelites at this point don’t have any rights or privileges here. But Abraham plants the tamarisk tree in faith knowing that they would one day inherit this land as God had promised and this tree would benefit people decades later.

I’m sure you can recall people who have planted things in your life, symbolically speaking, that are impacting you today. Someone’s testimony. A teaching. A ministry. Whatever it is, that was their tamarisk tree that would touch people, yes in their time but also hundreds of years later. 

The challenge for me and all of us is, what are we planting? God can use any situation to impact others. I’ve read stories of others who have suffered greatly and they have encouraged me. I have found shelter and shade in the midst of the heat of suffering because someone took the time to write it down perhaps many many years earlier. They planted something that would have a lasting impact. 

I trust that our story and how God is at work is of encouragement to you. My prayer is that it will be of great benefit to future generations when they hear our story either on a website, a book (one that we are currently working on) or some other means. 

Let us all be in the business of planting Tamarisk trees. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, No matter what trials we go through in life, help us to somehow use it for the benefit of others. In spite of pain and hardship that can at times seem unbearable, may we plant something of worth. Amen.