The Lone Cypress Tree

"We live by faith, not by sight." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7

I woke up this morning, feeling better from the symptoms of sinus pressure and right ear pain. I ended up going to the Urgent Care yesterday and the doctor told me that it was a good thing I did because my right ear was starting to get red, that was why I was feeling pain on my right jaw, close to the ear. He said he could tell my allergy was bad just by looking at my eyes. He gave me a nasal spray and a 3-day course antibiotic. Which I took immediately as soon as I got them on my hands.

With faith, I asked the Lord to bless those medications and at the same time, thanked Him for all His provisions and bringing in His children who love to intercede right away.

Thank you to all of you for your encouragement and for immediately folding your hands together and bending your knees to lift me up to His throne of grace.
This morning, for some reason, I started going through these old photos as I opened the cabinet on top of the computer monitor and saw this picture I took from one of my family's vacation in Central California:





The verse caught my eye right away! And the truth to it just penetrated my heart!

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." ~ Isaiah 7:9

And the picture brought me back to that day when the Lone Cypress Tree had my jaw almost dropped to the ground in awe because of its beauty. It was by itself on that huge piece of rock, overlooking the ocean with unpredictable, strong currents sometimes. The thought it evoked of how it continue to thrive despite the roots being so far from the water and had to thread through those pieces of rock. Yet, for so many years, it was gazed at by millions of visitors that made the place famous.

And how true it is, that in our lives, if we remain standing on the Rock, living by faith will make us fare better than by fulfilling rituals or rules. Because God commanded believers to live by faith not by sight! As we do so, this challenges us to grow more in faith and to live in obedience to God each day. And as we face many unpredictable currents of trials, it is only by standing firm on this Rock that will make us weather any storm.

"For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith."
~ 1 John 5:4 [NLT]

"But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."
~ James 1:6 [NLT]

10 comments:

  1. Precious sister, I'm sorry I didn't know you were sick. I'm praying for you even now!!! You are always such an incredible blessing to my life Rosel. If you lived closer we'd be in real life buddies for sure!

    Beautiful and on-point message you shared here about our walk of FAITH!!! and what a privileged walk it is that we as children of GOD, have but all too often we live more by sight then by faith. Often we live by emotions rather than by faith. I'm so thankful the Holy Spirit quickly gets me back in line with God's Word when I do!

    My love and prayers for you sweet one!

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  2. Hope you feel better soon! Life is definitely by Faith. Not sight or what we feel.

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  3. I have been praying for you Rosel! So glad to read that you went to the Urgent Care. Nurses need to also take care of themselves.

    I loved the verse you wrote from Isaiah on the photo of the Lone Cyprus. We must stand on our faith.

    I had to smile as I have a similar photo of the lone cyprus on Heart Choices. Next time you visit, scroll down to the bottom. I have two favorite photos; one of me and the children I taught and the other is the Lone Cyprus (which also impressed me when I saw it). Another thing in common ...

    Love and hugs,
    Debbie

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  4. That is so true. If we do not stand firm in our faith we will not stand at all. Thanks for posting that.

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  5. This is very true!! Love the picture!! Thanks for sharing this post!! Blessings to you!!

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  6. Blessings to you, sister, for your beautiful faith and for sharing God's awesome truths. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better.

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  7. Bless your sweet heart. I'm sorry you've been under the weather! I pray those meds work swiftly!

    Interesting about your picture. Each time we go to the mountains I always notice the trees that grow out of cracks within walls of rocks. Nothing lush around it -- just dry, crunchy rocks. It amazes me.

    God bless you sweet Rosel! Feel better!

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  8. I'm so glad that you are feeling better. My prayers continue for you at all times.

    I love this picture and scripture that goes so well with it. Everywhere I've been reading, God has been speaking directly to my heart. Your strong faith and love for the Lord always leads me into one great big cyber-hug to you!!

    Love you my sister,
    Alleluiabelle

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  9. Now I know why I had you on my heart! Storming the heavens for you...love you, sweet friend!
    Hugs and prayers,
    andrea

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  10. Praying for you Rosel. I really enjoy reading the posts on your blog. I think it reminds me when I was working. Thank you for visiting my blog. God bless, Lloyd

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

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