FOCUS

BY TIM LEUBNER

Bamboo Experiences

Have you ever heard about the Chinese bamboo tree? The Chinese plant the seed, water and fertilize it, but nothing happens during the first year. The second year, they water and fertilize it, and still nothing happens. The third and fourth years, they water and fertilize it and nothing happens. Finally, sometime during the course of the fifth year, after again watering and fertilizing it, in a period of approximately six weeks, the Chinese bamboo tree grows roughly 27 meters (90 feet). The question is, did it grow 27 meters in six weeks or did it grow 27 meters in five years? The obvious answer is that it grew ninety feet in five years, because, had they not applied the water and fertilizer each year, there would be no Chinese bamboo tree.

I would say that all of us have these “Chinese bamboo tree” experiences from time to time. We have times in our Christian lives in which we find it just so difficult to wait on the Lord. We want to see personal growth in our walk with Him, or we want a certain desire to be fulfilled. We can’t seem to see what is happening and we cannot find the strength to rest on God’s sovereignty. Instant gratification is usually what we yearn for, and yet that always leads to sin. So, just how can we begin to wait on the Lord?

Abide in Christ - Harriet Beecher Stowe said this, “How does the branch bear fruit? Not by incessant effort for sunshine and air; not by vain struggles…. It simply abides in the vine, in silent and undisturbed union, and blossoms and fruit appear as of spontaneous growth.” Do not forget to place yourself under the authority of Christ and find your rest in Him.

Be Faithful – Too often we want to move on to that which seems better, more important or desirable. We tend to be lax in where God has us today; to be faithful in that which God has given us to do. I encourage you, while perhaps your desire is legitimate and godly, do not forsake the task He has given you today. Flourish in working for him and do not look to tomorrow. Do not forget the words of Jesus in Luke 16:10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

Sing – Yes, sing. Rejoice that you work for the Saviour. Be happy that the Father loves you and has your best interests in mind. He knows what is best even if it may mean waiting. C. H. Spurgeon says, “Grin and bear it is old-fashioned advice, but sing and bear it is a great deal better.” c ollege for a DAY

April 6-8, 2023