You are going to come back twice as strong!

A while ago, I heard about a countryman who tried to remove bamboo from his backyard. Although bamboo is a grass, many of the larger bamboos are very tree-like in appearance and are . . .

A while ago, I heard about a countryman who tried to remove bamboo from his backyard. Although bamboo is a grass, many of the larger bamboos are very treelike in appearance and are among the fastest-growing plants in the world.

So, the countryman tried cutting the bamboo down with a hand-saw. But within a short time, it grew back twice as tall. It was twice as green, and the bamboo was twice as strong. The countryman was astonished how phenomenally quickly it grew back.

He didn’t quit. The second time, the countryman got out his metal handsaw and cut the bamboo down to at least a foot below where he had cut it before. Yet, the stalks eventually regrew. The bamboo was invasive. And to the countryman’s amazement, the bamboo came back even bigger, more numerous and much taller than before with skyward growth.

The countryman tried again. For the third time, he cut the bamboo all the way down. He dug a hole, filled it with poison and salt, and covered it with gravel and concrete. It was a rainy season, and the countryman thought for sure he had taken care of the problem. However, it wasn’t too long before the bamboo shoots began growing tall once again. For the bamboo spreads mainly through its roots, which can cover widely underground and send off new culms that break through the surface. This long-living plant is strong and is very hard to defeat.

When we watch what is going on in the world today, it can be easy to worry and feel overwhelmed. Even though there might be turmoil all around you, stay in peace. It does not matter who you are or where you are now, for like the bamboo in this story, you have amazing potential for growth. You will not be defeated. You’re going to come back twice as strong. And you’ll see rapid growth in the future.

So, don’t just look at adverse circumstances. Instead,

look to God. Do not conjure up the worst-case scenario in your mind. You do not have to meet hardships alone. In the midst of uncertainty, we have a God we can trust. His allprotecting and all-powerful presence encircles you. And, when you know God is with you, and is holding you in His mighty hand, you will not be so fearful about complicated matters.

You must try to not allow negative thinking or unconstructive words to control your attitude. Instead, train your mind to focus on how things will work out in your behalf. One sunny afternoon, I was taking a fast walk with a dear friend around our neighborhood. We fast-walked and lightly jogged for about two hours. Then, I looked up and saw a long, winding, big hill ahead. I was tired, and I started talking myself out of continuing; telling myself, “Jogging up that big hill is going to be difficult to conquer.”

However, my friend and I were chattering and laughing. I was so distracted that when I looked back, I realized we already jogged up the hill. It was easier than I thought it would be.

I wonder, in challenging times, what do we tell ourselves?

Remember, you have the strength for all things. Therefore, don’t tell yourself, “I can’t.” Rather, say, “I can.” For especially in difficult times, what you are thinking about and what you are saying makes all the difference.

Be patient and persistent. Now is not the time to get discouraged. Stop looking back at what could be lost and start focusing on and appreciating the many wonderful blessings and endeavors to come into your future. God has not finished His work. He has not done all He wants to do for you. You have not missed your opportunity. Your hopes and dreams are still possible. So, continue on in faith. God has not forgotten you:

Soon, blessings will arise from unexpected places. “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.” (1 Peter 5:6).

Problems will suddenly turn around. “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.” (Isaiah 40:31).

You’ll see surprising breakthroughs. “As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7).

Doors of opportunity will swing open that were once closed shut. “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7).

There are seasons in our life, as there are seasons in nature. Some winters are severe and cold, but the abundance of spring will always follow. You may have been through a lot, yet don’t concede defeat and give in now. You must not waiver. Believe again. With one step at a time, your time for victory is on its way.

As I look out the window this evening at the full moon that lights up the landscape in bright radiance, I think to myself, “Everything has led me to this place where I am today.”

Whether I was drenched by the rains of misfortune,

stung by the pain of loss or confronted by countless setbacks, it was during those challenging times that I developed steadfast faith, unwavering persistence and Godgiven strength. Moreover, I have a fervent desire to help others through my experiences.

The title-waves that tried to force me undertow, actually pushed me ahead. And what I interpreted as harmful, God turned around for my good… And He will do the same for you.

Press on toward your goals. With God, there are no unfair situations you cannot prevail over, dreams that are too farfetched or difficulties that cannot be removed from your path. You’re a conqueror, and you are resilient. And you’re going to come back twice as strong and get double for your trouble!

God will carry you, as He has carried me, so many, many times to become, “A New You.”