"Reading the Redwoods: Adversity Needed"

“Reading the Redwoods”

“Adversity Needed”

 

In some ways the redwoods are an enigma. Even though they’re the largest of trees they’re not especially strong. Their lumber is used to build such items as outdoor furniture but because of its lack of durability it’s seldom used in the construction of buildings. Yet they live for many centuries. How do we explain what appears to be contradictory? The answer, strange as it may seem, is that General Sherman and his friends thrive on adversity.

When Sequoia National Park was established in 1890 the rangers were diligent in putting out fires which they believed threatened the well-being of the Park’s primary attractions. However, as time went on they discovered that fire was essential to the trees’ health because the heat forms a kind of scar tissue inside the bark and makes them stronger. So now the National Park Service starts controlled fires to “toughen their hide.” (We saw one during our visit.) For us as God’s people the fires of crises are needed to refine and strengthen our faith. In the midst of his struggles Job told his friends, “…(God) knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10). Read the conclusion of his story in the book’s final chapter.

The controlled fires also clear away brush and other scrub growth so the nutrients in the soil can benefit the redwoods. As life’s challenges come our way “stuff” that hinders our progress needs to be removed so the truth of God’s Word can enrich us (“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”—Psalm 119:71).

In addition, these huge evergreens were created with the ability to resist the fungi, insects, and microbes which impact and sometimes destroy other types of trees. Similarly, God in His grace has provided us as His followers with three impregnable defenses: the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and prayer (“Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”—Ephesians 6:17-18).  Truly, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness….” (2 Peter 1:3).

The redwoods stand tall despite the dangers all around them. Let’s learn from these gigantic teachers and remember, “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” (Proverbs 10:25).

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan