Sotiris: Lesson 1

There is One caring for you

This concept of caring for a plant is strange to me. In fact, it's one that I've often railed against it in playful fun at friends who think greenery in the house is a necessity. And yet...

Here I am - a new and PROUD owner of a tiny little tree named Sotiris. A name meaning Salvation. Named so for the purpose of the tree: to remind me of those whose salvation I am believing for and chosen in effort to represent the passage in Ephesians that I repeatedly come back to:

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" Eph 3:14-21

 I felt compelled to get this tree as a symbol and sort of catalyst for my prayers. It seemed to be a pretty cool thought to get to watch the growth of a tree and was somehow sure that it was meant to teach me some perspective in the salvation process, but I truly didn't know what to expect. Within the first few days of ownership, however, the Lord has spoken faithfully - "I am taking care of you." 
I can see how food, water, shelter, sunshine for this tree is dependent much on me. If I leave it in my bedroom there won't be much growth happening and that would defeat the purpose of having the tree.  But since the tree represents to me, the spiritual side of life, I'm reminded that God is taking care of me - and those who I am trusting for. 
He controls and knows the needs we have for food, water, shelter, sunshine and all the rest. And in His sovereign hands, he's got it under control.
This of course is not a new thought for me, but somehow in this moment the truth that God is intentionally and willingly taking care of me, just became a whole lot more personal. He's feeding, clothing, and caring for his children. 

"And which of you be being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matt 6:27-31

So I want to encourage you with a little reminder. The birds of the air and the flowers of the field are taken care of by God Almighty. And this same God is offering to take care of each of us too. His ways are perfect. His ways are just. His love is true. He offers us the chance to rest in his care and trust Him with all of the cares of this world. What a relief it is to turn it all over to him and just rest. Taste and see that Lord is good in all of His ways.