Planted by the Lord
- Michelle Buchanan
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
(Part 2)
We all want to grow and mature, but the process just takes too long—right?
In our instant gratification society, we’re conditioned to expect quick results. Lose weight fast. Re-do your bathroom in a weekend. I even saw a YouTube video titled, “Learn Spanish in 10 Minutes—ALL the Basics You Need.” How absurd is that?!
We often carry this same mindset into our spiritual lives. We want depth without waiting. Strength without testing. Maturity without the work of God in His pace, His time, His way.
What does the Bible say about growth?
Isaiah 61:3-4, "They will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations."
In a previous blog, we looked at the lesson found in the acorn. God reveals Himself and teaches us through creation. The tiny acorn becoming a mighty oak tree reminds us of His idea of growth and maturity. https://www.beinterconnected.org/post/awaken-what-god-has-planted
Lesson one: Growth Happens Over Many Seasons
The seedling stage of an acorn takes 1-3 years (depending on the variety of oak trees) just to become a sapling. That’s a lot of springs, summers, autumns, and winters! In those years, the tender shoot transforms from a tightly closed seed into roots, a stem, and leaves.
In 4-15 years, the sapling becomes a young tree, reaching around ten feet tall. We admire the mighty oak. And can we also admire the four-foot tree and honor her journey?
You are in a season. Like the oak, this season will shift into another.
Some seasons are marked by growth and vigor. Others look more like rest, release, or even bareness as leaves fall. None of them are permanent. Together, the seasons are part of the process God designed—for the acorn and for you.
Lesson two: Hardship Is Part of the Process
Tree rings, called growth rings, tell the story of what the tree experienced each year.
Wide, thick rings indicate a year of abundance and ideal conditions.
Narrow rings reveal hardship—drought, disease, or extreme temperatures.
Scars mark a devastating event—fire, disease, or lightning that the tree survived.
In 2020, I experienced a fire event in my life. Not a literal fire, but a season so disruptive it felt like my life burned to the ground… reduced to ashes. God speaks to us about these seasons:
Isaiah 61:3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
The mighty oak carries many stories—years of both abundance and hardship. Each ring holds a place. Each ring matters as it builds upon the next.
Lesson three: Maturity Yields Harvest
Did you know?
A sapling requires 10-30 years to develop into a shade-giving tree.
It takes an average of 20 years for an oak tree to produce a single acorn.
Most trees don’t produce abundant acorns until 50 to 80 years old.
Our quick fix culture tells us that we should be producing a harvest immediately. If we aren’t, we assume we aren’t doing it right. Frustration and discouragement overshadow the pace of progress.
God’s design tells a different story.
He is not in a hurry.
Wisdom, discernment, and fruit come from time spent walking with Him, reading His Word, and standing faithful through many seasons. Maturity includes rebuilding and restoration. Isaiah reminds us that those planted by the Lord will rebuild ruins and restore what has been broken over generations.
Trust the Process
Psalm 1:2-–3 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither…
Like the rings of the tree, we experience many seasons. Growth is a slow process of developing deep roots. God’s design is not shallow or quick—it is deep and lasting.
Application
Look at the trees around you as you go for a walk or a drive. Notice the many stages of growth—saplings, young trees, mature oaks. Reflect on what God is forming in you.
Share a picture or a thought. I’d love to hear what God is showing you!
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I love this beautiful analogy of the Oak tree! Sometimes I forget that God is still growing me and my growth doesn’t look like anyone else’s growth.
My word for this year is quiet and I am learning to be still in His presence and allow Him to speak over me. This year is already amazingly beautiful and I am so blessed!
The stillness and beauty of the lake reminds me of His desire to give us beauty in every season, even winter in Indiana. The majesty of the trees with their branches stretching towards heaven just amazes me.
All glory to God! 🙌🏻