I’ve taken five missions trips to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. I’ve always been amazed at the tall slender pine standing atop the ridge of a mountain, silhouetted against the sky.

Caribbean pine trees regularly stand up to fierce hurricanes, long periods of drought, and even fire. But one thing they cannot tolerate is cultivation. In a well-kept yard with plenty of water and fertilizer, they often die.

Perhaps we’re a little like those pine trees. During good times, we may grow complacent and lose our effectiveness for Christ. But blasts of trial remind us of our need to depend on Him. When we feel our weakest, we can actually be the strongest.

Paul wrote, “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3). Hang in there.

Tags: overcomer, trials, tribulation, trouble