Under fields of glass, in a somewhat controlled
environment, scientists study soil- water-atmosphere and plant interactions. They study the earth's ecosystem's response to elevations in carbon
dioxide.
There is a simulated rainforest, a fog desert
an ocean and a coral reef. Even a mangrove field, all in the middle of the
desert. Biosphere 2 is one of a kind just as the earth is. Millions of dollars
are invested for upkeep and experimentation, in the hope that once they understand
the earth they can control certain aspects of weather and erosion.
Biosphere 2 is massive and interesting, but it
was the discussion of one seemingly insignificant tree that got my attention.
Just a twenty-plus-year-old tree, growing under glass. The tour guide alerted
our attention to the bracing on its limbs.
When asked why it needed braces, this was her
answer, "No wind."
No Wind?
The tree has been given everything possible it
needed to grow; sun, pruning, water, shelter from pestilence, fertilizer, but
without the opportunity to face the wind, to sway against gentle breezes or
stand and maybe bend against strong gales, it was rendered weak. Its limbs have
to be braced otherwise they'll break.
The same applies to each of us who have chosen
to follow Christ.
Scripture tells us in;
Psalm 1:1-3
(NIV)
Blessed is the
one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners
take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose
delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is
like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf
does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
Can you feel the serenity
of being that tree planted by the stream? Growing tall, giving shade, giving
fruit. Our roots go deep for nourishment and water, we will prosper, we will
get every necessity to thrive.
Every necessity…
To survive, we will have
to face some of the unpleasant things of life's too, times of sun, maybe
relaxing and warm, or scorching heat, even fire, winds, sometimes soft, other times
tempests, and rain, perhaps gentle mists or deluges and floods. We will have to
go through the seasons of life, walk through the valleys as well.
Thankfully, God doesn't
leave us ill-prepared or alone on our journey.
If likened to trees, we
have to remember, God gives us everything we need to grow to our fullest.
The Holy fire of God
releases seeds in us, but doesn't cause us to wither. This process cleans and
allows for new growth. He feeds us nutrients through His Word, His Son and His
Spirit.
The Wind of the Spirit
rages against us at times teaching us to stand in strength and prunes us, or
comes to us in a soft breeze that brings wisdom and respite and carries our
prayers.
Christ is the Word and the
Living Water.
John 4:14 (NIV) but
whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water
I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to
eternal life.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the
man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Hebrews 4:12
(NIV)
For the word of
God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates
even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and
attitudes of the heart
In Christ, you are given everything
you need to survive, and in due time, even pruning to be strengthened.
I'll be the first to
admit, I'm not big on pruning. It can hurt. But it's those times of pruning and
drought, or fire, or sustenance and rest that strengthen me for what else may
come.
What would happen if I was
"a pheasant under glass"
Christian? One who never had to face a hardship, never had to move, never had
search or glean?
I have to wonder… What
would happen if the glass protecting Biosphere 2 were broken, and that bandaged
tree had to stand against the wind?
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