This morning during my walk, I noticed a tree that looked like it was at the end of its life. Its trunk was worn, damaged, and weathered by years of standing through storms and seasons. Looking at it, I thought, ‘This tree is done. It has nothing left to give.’

But then I looked up.

Coming from that same tree were branches. New growth. Signs of life.

And immediately, I felt convicted.

How many times do we look at ourselves the same way? We look at our failures, our disappointments, our pain, and our scars and decide that our best days are behind us. We convince ourselves that because we’ve been through so much, our purpose must be over.

But that tree reminded me of something important: just because something looks broken doesn’t mean God is finished with it.

The other trees weren’t judging that tree for its imperfections. They weren’t telling it to give up. Yet many of us speak to ourselves more harshly than anyone else ever could.

As I stood there, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper to my heart, ‘There is still life in you. There is still purpose in you. There is still something I want to bring forth through you.’

The storms may have left their marks. The years may have taken their toll. But if there is still life, there is still purpose.

Sometimes we allow our circumstances to bury the gifts, dreams, and calling that God placed within us. We focus on what has been lost instead of what is still growing.

That tree looked like it should have been cut down, but it was still producing new branches. It was still doing what it was created to do.

Maybe that’s a word for someone today. Don’t let your current condition make you forget your God-given purpose. Don’t allow your pain to convince you that your story is over.

If God is still giving you breath, there is still something He wants to do through your life.

Lord, forgive me for focusing on what looks broken instead of what You are still growing. Whatever You have placed inside of me, bring it forth. Let me not wither away before fulfilling the purpose for which You created me.

Amen.