As a rough & tumble kid, I acquired a few physical scars on my various mis-adventures through childhood. My adult years have added a few more scars to my inventory. As I recount them, they each have a story. Some of those stories have a bit of humor woven into them, while others speak of pain. Still others remind me of the goodness of God.
Last month, Jon and I had the opportunity to go camping in Sequoia National Park. We were able to enjoy beautiful weather, sunshine, lush forests, flowing streams and creeks, and the blessed escape from our electronics.
As we hiked through the various locations within the park, we discovered the truly awesome creative nature of God. Sequoia trees can grow up to 311 feet tall and 40 feet in width at base, 52,500 cubic feet volume, 1385 tons in weight i.e. more than four fully loaded jumbo jet airplanes. They live up to 3,200 years.
While exploring the groves, we found several trees that had noticeable burn scars on them as a result of a forest fire. Upon closer inspection, we found that not only was the tree still living, but it was continuing to grow and flourish.
What a contradiction to the normal evolution of life. Here are trees with a large portion of their trunk burned away, yet they continue to grow and even bear fruit. If God can create a tree to be fruitful even after it’s damaged, should we not have confidence that God can continue to work in us and through us regardless of the physical and emotional scars we carry.
In reading the information plaques posted in and around the areas of interest in the park, we found that Sequoia trees have a bark that is up to two feet thick. This bark protects the living layer underneath it. The bark also contains a chemical called Tannin. This chemical property is found in high concentrations in Sequoia bark and gives the trees a resistance to rot, boring insects, fungus, and fire. The bark does not contain any flammable pitch or resin, and the sap of the trees is very watery and not very flammable. As an added benefit, the Sequoia Trees have the capacity in their DNA to heal and keep growing.
The trees truly were an example of God’s creativity.
So what about us. We were created in God’s image and after His likeness. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (NLT)
We are not meant to be sidelined. Each life has purpose. Yet, life has left its share of both physical and emotional scars on each of us. They are not as easy to see, but they are there. How do we move from just going through the motions of life back into that abundant fruit filled life God has planned for us.
The Sequoias have that special protective bark that God created for them. For us He provided some special armor that when properly used will give us a layer of protection much like the bark of the Sequoias.
In Ephesians 6: 10 – 17 Paul gives us a great advice on God’s plan of protection for each of us.
Be be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Trust God’s Power)
Put on the full armor of God. (You have to use all of the pieces)
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and 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. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Paul reminds us that we don’t fight against flesh & blood, but we have an enemy (Satan) who is out to destroy us. Don’t get me wrong. Satan will use whatever tools he can to sideline us. He’ll use our family, friends, job, co-workers, pastors and even spouses. However it’s important to remind yourself that they are not the enemy.
The Sequoia trees don’t wait until there is an attack to their environment to equip themselves with their special bark. They wear it all of the time. It’s a part of them. The armor of God should also be a part of us. We can’t wait until we’re in the middle of a battle to suit up. The armor has to become part of our DNA, just like the Sequoia bark.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
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