Hold On 

Once upon a time there was a leafy tree in a field. Leaves grew densely on
the tall branches. The roots were deeply into the ground. The tree was the
most remarkable among the rest.
 
The tree then became the home for some birds. They built their nests and
they lived on his branches. The birds made holes on him, and they hatched
their eggs within the greatness of the tree. The tree felt so delighted
because he was accompanied as he walked through his long lasting days.
 
People were grateful for the presence of the tree. They often came over and
sheltered under him. Under his branches, they sat down and opened their
picnic baskets. This tree is very useful, that's what the people said every
time they went home from shelter. The tree was very proud hearing those
compliments.
 
However, time went on. The tree was beginning to be sick. His leaves and
twigs were falling, then his body became thin and pale. The greatness he
used to have was fading away. Birds felt reluctant to build their nests
there. No one would come to sit under the tree to shelter anymore.
 
The tree wept, Oh God, why is it so hard for me? I need friends. Now no one
would come close to me. Why do you take all the glory I used to have? The
tree cried loudly, so it echoed throughout the forest. Why wouldn't you cut
me down, so I don't have to bear this suffering? The tree kept on crying,
and his tears were running down his dry body.
 
Seasons came and went, but his condition had not changed. The tree was still
feeling lonely. His branches became drier and drier. Every night the tree
wept and cried, until the morning broke.
 
Cheep...chirp....cheep Ah, what was that noise? Oh, its a little baby bird
who has just piped from the egg. The old tree woke up from his daydream.
 
Cheep...chirp...cheep, the noise became louder and louder. There was another
baby bird. Not long after that, the tree became noisy because of the birth
of new baby birds. One...two...three...and four baby birds have been born to
this world. Ah, He has answered my prayers, exclaimed the old tree.
 
The day after, there were many birds flying to the old tree. They were going
to build new nests. The dry branches have turned out to attract their
attention to nest there. The birds felt warmer to stay inside the dry
branches instead of their place before. The number of birds was increasing
and there were more kinds of them. Wow, now my days are brighter with their
presence here, murmured the old tree gladly.
 
The old tree was back to cheer again. And when he looked down, his heart was
flowing with joy. There was a new little tree growing near his roots. The
new tree seemed to smile at him. The tears of the old tree has grown a
little tree who would continue his devotion to nature.
 
Dear friends, that's the way it is. Is there any lesson that we could take
from the story? God always has secret plans for us. The Almighty God will
always gives answers to our questions. Even though it is not always easy to
guess what the resolution is, be certain that the Omniscient God knows
what's best for us.
 
When there are times He sends temptation for us, in other times He gives us
His overflowing blessings. The test He gives us isn't something that cant be
overcome. When God gave the temptation to the old tree, actually He Delayed
in giving His glory. God didn't choose to cut the old tree down since He
kept some secrets. God was testing his patience.
 
So, dear friends, be sure, whatever temptation we are facing is a part of
the chain of glory He is preparing for us. Don't give up, and don't be
discouraged. God is always there beside patient people.

Pass this inspiration on...

- Author Unknown
 
Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They
shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They
shall walk and not faint.
 
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season
we shall reap if we do not lose heart.