GN Commentary: November 20, 2009 - Bend But Don't Break

The next time you experience one of those difficult times that take you close to your breaking point, remember the bamboo: bend but don't break.

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Video Transcript

Did you know that bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth? Believe it or not it has been documented that it can grow over 47 inches in a 24-hour period! That's almost four feet a day! Bamboo not only grows fast, but tall.  It attains different heights depending on the species, the land and climate. The average is 25 to 65 feet tall, with a tallest recorded bamboo at 164 feet!

Another amazing fact about bamboo is that even in the strongest of winds, it has the ability to bounce back and return to its upright position. The word comes to mind? Resilient.

If you use this word to describe a person it means they have the ability to recover from a challenging situation. The disturbing winds of loss, stress, and depression can blow through the landscape of your life. Have you ever felt like you're at the breaking point?  Have you ever felt like you just might snap?  You probably felt emotionally drained, mentally exhausted and most likely endured difficult physical symptoms that threatened your wellbeing.

No doubt, life is a mixture of good times and bad times, happy occasions and down moments. The next time you experience one of those difficult times that take you close to your breaking point, remember the bamboo: bend but don't break. How? Get help to cope. Go to God immediately in prayer, for he promises not to let the situation get the best of you (1 Corinthians 10:13).

God promises to give us hope to guide us through life's challenges - a hope for a better tomorrow, a better situation, a better attitude, a stronger outlook. Notice the wonderful promise He gives you in Romans 14:4 – "Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand."

Keep in mind, when the going gets tough and you are at your breaking point choose to be resilient. It's possible to have a tremendous spiritual growth spurt - if you rely on God. He will strengthen you like the bamboo tree, so you bend, but don't break!

For GN Magazine, I'm Steve Myers.