I’m currently reading the book The Anxious Generation, which explores how the tech age has led to a rise in childhood mental illness—a phenomenon the author calls “The Great Rewiring.”
As I was reading, I came across something that struck me deeply. In the late 1980s, a grand experiment called Biosphere 2 was launched in the Arizona desert. It was the largest attempt to build a closed artificial ecosystem, designed to support eight people living entirely off its resources. Though the experiment didn’t succeed in its goals, it provided fascinating insights.
One of those insights involved trees. The designers noticed that trees in the Biosphere grew quickly but collapsed before maturity. Why? Because they lacked wind. Trees rely on wind to bend and stretch them, which stimulates their roots to grow deeper and their wood to strengthen. This strengthened wood, known as “reaction wood” or “stress wood,” equips the tree to withstand even stronger winds as it matures. Without wind, the trees simply couldn’t anchor themselves.
The metaphor is striking: just like trees, we were not made to live in protective bubbles. God often allows stress, challenges, and even failures to shape us. These moments develop our decision-making skills, build confidence, and deepen our trust in His plan. The stress wood in trees becomes stronger and firmer—it anchors them. Similarly, the trials we face help anchor us in faith.
This lesson resonates deeply with parenting and the Christian walk. Children need age-appropriate challenges to learn problem-solving and resilience so they can grow into competent adults. The same principle applies to us as believers. I used to think that with Jesus by my side, life would be smooth sailing. But the truth is, the closer I lean into God, the stronger the winds often become.
Yes, we drink from the ever-flowing water of Christ, but we also need the wind! As John 4:14 reminds us: “But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.” That water sustains us, but the wind challenges us and spurs our growth.
We also rely on the wind of the Holy Spirit to guide us. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
If you’re in a season of high winds—feeling confused or overwhelmed—know that God is anchoring you. He’s strengthening your roots and solidifying your foundation in His unconditional love.
Comments