3 Tips for Strong Growth in Adversity from Bristlecone Pines

Stories of Hope in Hard Times

Several years ago I went on a hike with my family in Great Basin National Park to see the Bristlecone Pine trees. What I learned about these trees helped me see more clearly how we can all stay strong during times of adversity.

Episode Discussion Points

• How we visited in October 2019 in Great Basin National Park, and Nathan wasn’t very happy about hiking in the snow.
• As we approached the grove of Bristlecone Pines I was amazed by what I learned reading the placards about these ancient and resilient trees.

Facts About Bristlecone Pines

• Some Bristlecone Pines can live nearly 5,000 years and are the oldest living things on our planet.
• Most of these pine trees have been alive 3,000 to 5,000 years. Imagine them clinging to rocks when the Romans, Jesus Christ, Cleopatra and the construction of the pyramids.
• The species are native to the Rocky Mountains and other ranges of the southwestern United States.
• The usually grow at elevations above 5,500 feet and up to 11,200 feet.
• We went and saw the Great Basin Bristlecone pines at their high elevationspiral out from seemingly impossible soil of limestone rock
• Bristlecone pines in Great Basin National Park grow in isolated groves just below the tree-line. The conditions in which they live are harsh (with temperatures that drop well below freezing), a short growing season, and high winds that twist the trees into almost human-like forms along their limestone ridges. Because of these conditions Bristlecone Pine grow very slowly, and in some years do not even add a ring of growth.
• Often they twist into gnarly shapes which makes them very strong and they stay standing for centuries even after the tree dies.
• The Bristlecone Pines grow in rugged conditions in the high mountains and in the middle of desert valleys.
• They have an unusual ability to adapt to their environments
• They can also live in isolation where other species cannot survive

3 Tips for Strong Growth in Adversity

1. Grow Slow, be patient, wait on God

Slow down in times of adversity, so you can process change, make time to absorb God’s goodness into circumstance and be able to grow strong—producing the resin needed to resist the adversary who wants you to decay.

• The bristlecone pine is the world's slowest-growing tree
• One tree (which was still alive) had a sample of its core removed which dated back to 1126 BC!!!!
• Nutrients are scarce, slow-and-steady approach to growth,
• Example: Hollow Tree: different tree which is about 2000 years old,
• Grew too fast which made its center more subject to decay—and the tree’s center rotted
• But the tree is still alive in its outer rings—being more wise and slow as it has aged.

Related Bible Verses About Slowing Down in Adversity

• Isaiah 40:31 “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
• James 5:7-8 “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

2. Adapt to Adversity: Stronger in Christ

Freezing, harsh, remote conditions can make you grow strong and stand the test of time.

• The environment’s combo of tough conditions—especially freezing temperatures, dry soils, high winds, and short growing seasons—makes them resilient.
• This slow growth rate makes the wood dense and heavy, which helps to ward off insects, fungi, rot, and weathering.
• Re: Adversity—The Bristlecone Pine’s “ability to stand for centuries after death is directly related to the adversity of its life.”
• Remain standing for thousands of years after they die.
• They can survive in these harsh environments by storing water in their thick needles and roots.

Bible Verses About Becoming Resilient During Adversity

• How do we become resilient in adversity as described in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”
• Tip from Paul 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

3. Prune back the unnecessary

Sometimes during times of hardship, we need to prune things from our lives and focus on the basics.

• Many pines rely on a single tap root and utilize shallow just-below-the-surface roots to chase cracks in soil and sniff out water spots to send nutrients upward. Bristlecones do this, too; they just do it in a hardier way, in far tougher soil.
• Even after a lifetime of endurance, they can slowly start to shut off flow to outer limbs and hold on to the most viable living tissue, for centuries upon centuries, which is part of why they erode into the wild shapes they are known for—and can continue to, after they actually die.
• Often they will die in portions. As the roots become exposed they will dry out and die. The tree directly connected above those roots will eventually die as well.
• The remainder of the tree will continue to live.
• Get my Not to Do List to figure out what you can eliminate from your life here.

Bible Verses About Pruning

• John 15:2 “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”
• Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Good Questions to Ask

1. What are the basics you need to focus on?
2. What do you need to prune?

Religious leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “It is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.”

Invitation

Go to God and

1. Ask Him what you need to focus on during adversity?
2. What do I need to prune?

Then act on the inspiration He gives you.

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Transcription

You can find the transcription of today's episode here: https://www.tamarakanderson.com/podcasts/bristlecone-pines-3-tips-for-strong-growth-in-adversity