The Bio-Dome Lesson

There is strength in numbers. If you’re standing alone in your circumstances, come get a mentor.
 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

 There was an experiment done in the early 1980′s in the American desert called The Bio-Dome II. A huge glass dome was constructed and an artificial “controlled” environment was created for self-sustaining life. There were a variety of problems, but one of them in particular baffled everybody. When the trees grew to be a certain height they would simply topple over.

One day they realized the natural element they had forgotten to recreate in the Bio-dome: wind! Trees need wind to blow against them, which causes their root systems to grow deeper into the soil.  These deep roots are necessary to support the trees as they grow taller.

We’re not so different from these trees. When we experience trials we are strengthened. That’s why James begins his no-nonsense gospel with a stinging but true statement (see the verse above). It’s easy to read and maybe even easy to understand, but it’s much harder to live.

You’ve undoubtedly experienced this truth already but I encourage you to live it. Rest in the confidence that our infinitely good God knows what is best for you, even in amid the pain. Trust the provision of our wise and strong Heavenly Father who has a perfect plan for you. Know that as you wrestle with the purpose behind the pain, His ways are infinitely higher than your ways and His thoughts are so far above yours.

We see the world through a tainted and finite lens but He stands outside of time and governs the world.  Hold on to the promise in James that God will see you through and you will lack nothing.

Pray: “I praise You God of earth and sky. How wonderful is Your unfailing love! I praise You in the storm of my life and acknowledge that although I do not always understand my situation, one thing is true: You can be trusted. You are so good. Holy Spirit, be my Comforter and remind me of the truth. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Question: How have you seen God at work in your present circumstances?

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