Cutting Down a Tree and Praying for Miracles

The topic of friends has been on my mind recently. I've been reading the book of Job and thanking God that I have a different set of friends than Job did. 

I had a Bradford pear tree that was overly tall and had begun to sway precariously in the wind. It needed to go, but I had never cut down a tree before. I'd considered trying to cut it down myself, but needed a tutorial before I attempted it.

I told a family friend about my plan and he just shook his head. "You don't need to try to cut down a tree. I'll cut it down for you."

Yesterday was the day. I watched as he applied chain saw to tree. About half-way through, he stopped and looked around. 

"I forgot my wedge. Can I use yours?"

"What's a wedge?"

"It's a wood-cutting tool that you use to make the tree fall the direction you want it to go."

"I've never heard of that. I'm pretty sure I don't have one."

"Hmmm."

The sawing had already reached the point of no return and the tree had begun to sway in my direction. Toward the house. 

"Would a rope help?" Maybe he could pull the tree in the right direction, I thought. (Obviously, I know nothing about cutting trees.)

He smiled. "Maybe."

I offered a length of rope and prayed that God would not let the tree hit my house, then went inside. It was easier not to watch.

When no crash came, I went back outside. The tree was on the ground and my friend was grinning like crazy. "Guess what happened?"

"Tell me."

"The tree was going toward the house. I couldn't seem to stop it, even with the rope tied around it. I was pulling like crazy, but it was tilting the other way. But you know how we prayed that God wouldn't let it hit the house? I prayed again that it wouldn't hit the house and asked God to help me and He did. A big breeze came up and blew the tree in the right direction."

It had missed my house, my car, and his truck. It had landed exactly where he had intended.

Was it a miraculous breeze, sent by God to direct the falling of the tree? I choose to think so.

I tell this story to remind us that we serve a God who sees us. He knows our needs, listens to our prayers, and responds to our distress. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He helps us. He is with us to the end and provides for every need, even when what we need is a strong breeze to direct a falling tree.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! 

Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9 nasb

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In case you missed one of this week's posts, here are the links:  Mamie and the Ink Stain, The Blizzard That Was Not,  The Truth That Matters Most: My Redeemer Lives, Truth That Matters: God Sees,  The Importance of Light, A Little Good News: Working Together, and Things I've Learned: There is a God and I'm Not It.

Be sure to check out my new Amazon Author Page. You can follow me on Amazon.
#miracles #Christian #disciple #friends

The Grateful Heart: Friends

Yesterday was a long, but good day. I volunteered at the Global Outreach International Mission Conference. My friends, Jan and Linda, volunteered with me. I scheduled us to be there the entire time. I loved being there. I was blessed beyond words. Every hour was precious, but I failed to think about how many hours I would be gone from home.

What I hadn't considered was that the Wonder Dogs would need to go outside. Maggie would need her eye drops. Mamie would want her artificial tears so she could have what Maggie has.  It was my day to close the park. 

My sweet neighbor, Sam, comes to see the Wonder Girls often. They take each other for walks several times a day, but Sam doesn't come after dark. In case you haven't noticed, it's getting dark early these days.

Late yesterday, Jan needed to leave. Linda decided to stay. 

It took at least two people to do our job, so Linda's presence was essential. Her decision to stay was a precious gift.

Nearly an hour after Jan left, I received this text:

"Girls are walked and park is closed. Maggie wanted to go to bed but they are back in the kitchen."

Jan saw my need and met it, and so did Linda.

That's what friends do.

I am blessed beyond words by friends who see needs and meet them, sometimes before I realize I have the need. 

I wish I was as good a friend. 

If you have friends, celebrate that friendship. Spend time together. Help each other. Love. Laugh. Serve. Rejoice.

Cherish your friendship, for our friendships here on earth are just a reminder that there is One friend who sticks closer than a brother, never fails, loves at all times, and has already laid down His life for those who would be His friend.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down; his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"         Ecclesiastes 4:9 nasb

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In case you missed any of the past week's posts, here are the links: The Grateful Heart: Predawn Stillness, The Grateful Heart: Orchestration of God, The Grateful Heart: Avoiding Distraction, Maggie: Eye Protection, Maggie: Wanting Eye Drops, and Grateful Heart: Superheroes and Missions Conference.

The most read posts of the past week: (for the first time ever there's a tie) Maggie:Forgiving and Forgetting and Maggie: Being Light.

#friends #closerthanabrother #loveoneanother #JesusChrist #grateful heart