Let the Winds Blow!
Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, scientists constructed a research facility in Arizona called Biosphere 2. Its purpose was to study the interactions between life-systems in a controlled environment, ostensibly to explore the possibility for usage in outer space.
The biosphere was outfitted with various representative “biomes.” Rainforests, wetlands, savannahs, and deserts were created in a controlled, optimum environment. Everything was provided for the success of these biomes.
In many ways, the biosphere flourished. After all, the possible threats and challenges had all been removed. The result was tranquility and beauty among the various lifeforms.
However, a funny thing happened with the trees. Researchers found that they grew quickly but fell over before they were of reproductive age. Scientists were puzzled. Why were the Biosphere 2 trees such pushovers?
The answer was eventually discovered.
No wind!
Though scientists had prepped Biosphere 2 to reflect nature, wind was one part of nature they didn’t (or couldn’t) account for. One commentator stated, “the lack of wind created trees with much softer wood than that species would normally make in the wild. They grew more quickly than they did in the wild but were harmed in the long run as a consequence.”
I think there is a spiritual principle here that we need to take to heart – as persons, as parents, and as pastors. As wind is necessary for creating strong trees, adversity and pressure are necessary for building strong individuals.
The Biosphere was a controlled environment. Everything was “perfect.” But sometimes we don’t know what’s really good for us. We want God to remove hardships from our lives. Instead, God knows we need them. See, His goal isn’t to simply “fix” us. His goal is to grow us. To make us strong and mature.
God’s goal isn’t to simply “fix” us. His goal is to grow us. To make us strong and mature.
Allow me to offer some examples as to how this works itself out.
On a Personal Level
Our natural tendency is to shield ourselves from windy situations. We shy away from conflict and confrontation. We look to avoid those things that might trigger push back.
So, we don’t seek resolution when there’s an interpersonal breakdown. We avoid discussions that might bring to light faults or shortcomings. We shrink back from hard conversations that might be challenging or painful.
Yet in so doing, rather than getting stronger and growing more stable, we stay weak and undeveloped. We have a semblance rather than a reality of maturity.
On Parental Level
None of us wants to see our kids get hurt. It pains us to watch them struggle. Yet in seeking to shelter our children from having to deal with loss (“Not everyone gets to win.”) or disappointment (“You can’t always have what you want.”) or reality (“Sometimes life isn’t fair.”) they end up happy but weak.
In seeking to shelter our children from having to deal with loss (“Not everyone gets to win”) or disappointment (“You can’t always have what you want”) or reality (“Sometimes life isn’t fair”), they end up happy but weak.
They don’t grow up with the ability to withstand the storms of adversity that are certain to come their way when outside the bubble of our protection. And, tragically, when the winds blow some of them fall.
On a Pastoral Level
Most pastors have a shepherd’s heart and, as such, we want to make things comfortable for our “sheep.” When they struggle, we want to “fix” things quickly.
But there’s a big difference between fixing folks and growing folks.
To be sure, as a result of focused prayer, on occasion there are wonderful “breakthrough” moments – spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically. We would do well to celebrate those instances when people dramatically find release and relief.
But maturity – growing strong – often takes real effort and significant time on the backside of deliverance. New habit patterns need to be developed. Different coping mechanisms need to be created. Better disciplines need to be engaged in.
For example, while we may celebrate a breakthrough as it relates to addiction, it’s going to require a lengthy and difficult recovery process before the person is strong enough to stand against the temptation to relapse.
That marriage that was miraculously restored is going to require a massive amount of rebuilding before it will be strong enough to face the storms that will certainly come down the road.
Or perhaps as it relates to a staff conflict, while we would ask that the Lord would supernaturally heal the rift, we would be better served to have to move through the tunnel of relational chaos which would result in mutual growth.
Life in a storm-free bubble might seem to be a wonderful thing; but in reality, it’s a perilous thing. Confronting the issues, engaging in conflict, and living with resistance is, in fact, the way spiritual strength is built, deep roots are sent down, and fruit is borne in our lives.
Life in a storm-free bubble might seem wonderful; but confronting our issues, engaging in conflict, and facing resistance is the way spiritual strength is built, deep roots are sent down, and fruit is borne in our lives.
And when the storms come, even the most severe of storms, we will have the capacity to stand strong.
As James put it, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete…” (James 1:2-4)
So, my friends, to that I say, “Let the winds blow!”
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