A reason for hope can always be found in scripture. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promised that the tree of Jesse would spring back to life (see Isaiah 11:1-10). In the midst of suffering and loss, God always offers a reason for hope based on faith in him. Think of a chopped-down tree in your own life. What relationship has been cut off? What ministry has died? Has a job been axed? Has a dream withered? Name your stump.

A cut-off relationship cannot be restored unless Christ becomes the center of it and each person’s heart is converted and healed from the cut.

A dead ministry will take new shape only when Jesus resurrects it; the roots will be the same, but the new growth will be surprisingly different.

Christ’s life is springing forth from the axed job as he points the way down a path that will glorify God. The withered dream will pass through the cross of Christ to be resurrected into a glorified new goal that will be empowered by a Pentecost of the Holy Spirit.

Fertilize your tree stump by increasing your prayer time, scripture reading, other spiritual reading, and participation in parish programs. Jesus himself is the new growth that will be born in you, but you have to nurture your soil.

© 2019 by Terry A. Modica