The Giving Tree

“Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.” – Shel Silverstein

1 Chronicles 28:10
– He chose you, He loves you and you have been set apart.
– God has prepared you in advance do great things for His people. (Ephesians 2:10)

When I reflect on my past, I can see clear evidence that God has prepared me in advance to become a Disciple and a fisher of women. (Mark 1:14-18) At eighteen years old, He allowed me to work with one of LA’s top Talent Agencies, along with working as a grassroots activist for children’s rights. In both areas, He refined my resolve while He built my character in a highly cut-throat industry. He showed me how to not personalize the many critiques and criticisms that came. He also forged in me the ability to relate to artists, actors, choreographers and directors, who have been in the same field I was in. I was taught how to care, how to persevere, and a variety of other things. Similarly, the same thing happens to us as we try to build God’s Church. He tells us that the road will not be easy, you may get hurt, but if you remember that God personally chose you out of many, His love is unfailing, and that He is at your side while you fight to love His people, you will see the plan He specifically has for your life. (Psalm 25:14)

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
– The leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work, gave willingly.
– Always be ready to give up your best.
– Maintain an “it’s-not-about-me” mindset.

“… and she loved a boy very, very much– even more than she loved herself.” – Shel Silverstein

Prior to having an intimate relationship with God, I believed my best was what I did for a living, and what I looked like. I relied on both of those things as a source of fulfillment and love. Once I came to the knowledge of the Truth, “that every good and perfect gift came from God,” (James 1:17) I found those things to no longer be “mine,” but rather God’s. True love is only found when we’re with Him. He sacrificed His one and only son, whom had never sinned, and never would, so that I may come to find salvation and an everlasting friendship with God. God has proved just how much He loved me. With the calling for me to be a Disciple, and to “give up everything,” (Luke 14:25-33) I sought out to prove my love to Him by sacrificing “my life.” I ended a relationship, I lost a home, I gave up my agent, I surrendered anything I found reliance in, and I devoted myself to becoming a living sacrifice. God became my only God and what I depend on, and it has been the most rewarding and most beautiful journey I could ever hoped for. As I live this new life with Him, I know I wouldn’t change or take back what I’ve given up for anything because God never second guessed Himself in doing the same.

Questions for Reflection:
Q: What have you personally given up for God? How do you feel about what you’ve given up?
Q: What is God calling you to give up now? Do you believe it will make a difference in your life, or for others? (Mark 10:29)
Q: What has God personally gave up for you? Write down what His sacrifice has done in your life and in the lives of others.

And after a long time the boy came back again.
“I am sorry, Boy,” said the tree, “but I have nothing left to give you-
My apples are gone.”
“My teeth are too weak for apples,” said the boy.
“My branches are gone,” said the tree.
“You cannot swing on them-”
“I am too old to swing on branches,” said the boy.
“My trunk is gone,” said the tree.
“You cannot climb-”
“I am too tired to climb,” said the boy.
“I am sorry,” sighed the tree.
“I wish that I could give you something… but I have nothing left. I am an old stump. I am sorry…”
“I don’t need very much now,” said the boy, “just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.”
“Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could,
“well, an old stump is a good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.”
And the boy did.
And the tree was happy.
– Shel Silverstein

Challenge:
1 – Give freely.
2 – Give wholeheartedly.
3 – Give up everything.