The dead trees in the small forest near me have all been cut down. (see post from 22 Jan 2024) There are 25 trees that succumbed to the drought, a large percentage of this small grove. Felling and cutting up those trees revealed many reasons they had died. Some were rotten and empty inside. Some had evidence of insects tunnelling between the bark and the outer layers of the trunk. Some were losing, or had already lost, their protective bark. It was no longer connected to the tree.
Some trees had succumbed to the harsh drought environment because their natural protections were no longer there. Some had small invaders alive and well in them. Some no longer had a core of strength. Before the drought, most of these trees looked healthy and strong but the drought took advantage of their internal weaknesses.
When adversities and tribulations come are we ready with a core of strength having rid ourselves of small damaging habits and clinging to the prophetic protections we have been counseled to incorporate in our lives? We may look fine on the outside, but we may also need to examine our internal weaknesses to be better prepared for those adversities and tribulations which will surely come to everyone.
