Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

This picture was taken in the Redwood National Forest while we were on vacation last week. I actually got down on the ground, (that was the easy part, getting up was more difficult) trying to capture its height on film, but no human media can portray the majesty of these beautiful old trees. One of them was 304 feet tall, and is estimated to be 1500 years old.

It gave me comfort to see this magnificent specimen of nature doing the work God created it to do. It cleans the air, absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen; it cools the earth and reduces skin cancer by providing shade; it holds the ground in place, preventing erosion. And if that isn’t enough, it provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. It has been quietly doing its job for hundreds of years, standing firm through lightning storms, heavy winds and gully washing rain.

What a lesson. When it seems as though nothing is happening, and the thing we dreamed about is impossible, be like the Redwood. Stand tall.