Can a twig bear the same weight as that of a mature branch? Does it possess the internal strength needed to support a heavier load? The answer is not difficult to ascertain, for a twig must know significant growth before it develops into a hearty limb. Yet this maturation process does not happen overnight but is brought forth through the changing of seasons, as these segments of time each plays an integral part in seeing that the twig reaches its full potential.
Then the renewing rains of Spring, the adverse heat of Summer, Fall’s purging winds, and the harshness of Winter were given as opportunities for change. Therefore, to become a flourishing branch the twig must embrace each season as it unfolds, though at times this may seem somewhat difficult. Ah, but as the twig endures those challenging days when the climate has turned more severe, a transformation shall transpire, which, over time, shall yield a sturdy branch that cannot be easily broken: one that is capable of supporting shoots of its own.
Then even the gloom of winter should be viewed as having significance. For though the twig may appear to be dormant, it is from within that a metamorphosis of sorts is occurring, as the twig is being readied for Spring, that time when “newness” is known to bloom.
Should not then the twig regard itself as fortunate that its growth was not left to happenstance, and that careful consideration was given by the Creator as to how to best ensure it knew a steady progression of development? For surely without these seasonal events, the twig would have already withered away. Each season, therefore, carries within it beneficial elements which are meant to invigorate maturity within the twig, causing it to thrive. And since it is ever angled upward towards the sun, “increase” should be the expected result, as this beam of golden light is the life-breath to all that is living.
Then those who are rooted in My Son should embrace even the most trying seasons: those days, weeks, months, and even years when your faith is greatly tested. For this is the environment I have chosen to spur My children forward so that they are constantly becoming new, as My intention is to see that they bear the resemblance of Christ while here on the earth.
This understanding then should always be set before you so that when a season seems endless, you do not lose heart, but recall that there is a higher purpose involved: that being your sanctification. And as such, you patiently endure until the season ends, knowing that I am working through your circumstances to provide multiple chances to grow into a mighty branch, instead of remaining like an immature twig.
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” Ecclesiastes 3:1