The Big Island of Hawaii is home to a phenomenal tree called the ‘ohi’a lehua.

This tree flourishes in an environment that looks extraterrestrial. Hardened black lava from former Kilauea eruptions cover the landscape. The surface of the land looks as barren, harsh, and uninviting as can be.

It’s in these conditions that the ‘ohi’a lehua tree exists.

This tree grows where no other tree does because it has learned to close its pores to the toxic gases that are expelled during a volcanic eruption. The dangerous gases spewed during Kilauea’s flare-ups don’t phase the ‘ohi’a lehua because it just holds its breath!

Where other trees are destroyed by this climate of opposition, the ‘ohi’a lehua thrives!

2 Corinthians offers us a glimpse into Paul’s life – who, like the ‘ohi’a lehua, was no stranger to resistance.

As he walked out the Gospel-centered life God had called him to and actively demonstrated Christ’s love wherever he went, Paul wasn’t always received with open arms (or hearts)!

He and his team of disciple-makers were “…afflicted in every way but not crushed;…perplexed but not in despair;…struck down but not destroyed.” (vs. 8 – 9 CSB)

Doesn’t exactly sound like the kind of life folks would jump in line to sign up for, right?

But Paul understood what God is working to teach all of us who follow Him – opposition is a catalyst for growth.

“…we’re not giving up…even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.” (vs. 16 MSG)

It’s irrelevant how your life might look like it’s falling apart – everything from relationship fails to flat tires; unexpected illnesses to job uncertainties count!

Any and all opposition can serve to drive us into the arms of King Jesus and help make us more like Him, if we let it.

The question is, are we?

Like the ‘ohi’a lehua, are we willing to let the opposition in our lives serve as opportunities for growth?

If so, we have a promise for such difficult seasons (and an incredible hope)!

“For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.” (vs. 17 CSB)

So, my dear friend, I pray today – no matter what opposition you may be navigating – that you will thrive like the ‘ohi’a lehua.

But, more importantly, I pray that you will allow the opposition to shape you to look more like Jesus today as you lean into what is not seen.

“For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (vs. 18 CSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!