Stubborn like an oak
Oak trees have a lot of admirable qualities–strength, beauty, majesty…
These magnificent giants grant us the gift of shade in the summer. Their awesome strength, power, and beauty is demonstrated by the sturdiness of their trunk, the depth of their roots, and the glorious spread of their green canopy.
Even in winter, the oak displays strength and glory…
But, there are other important characteristics shown by the powerful oak. These traits are often some of our best qualities as well.
Perseverance is steady and continued action, usually over a long period of time, especially through difficulties and setbacks.*
Determination is firmness of purpose, a resolution to succeed.*
These two traits help us through the times of trials and struggle. Of course, our most powerful mentor during those times is our Lord Jesus. Lifting our prayers grants us assistance in times of need–particularly in times of temptation.
And there is one more trait that helps us in those times of trial and temptation. A characteristic that the oak trees exhibits each year.
Stubbornness!
Well into December and often into January, the stubborn oak holds onto its leaves, the last of the hardwood forest to succumb to fall.
I think stubbornness has a bad rap. In its most negative and extreme sense, perhaps it is possible to be too stubborn. When we are unwilling to seek God’s help; when we are unwilling to seek the aid of prayer and scripture during times of tribulation; or when we are unwilling to listen to the wisdom of godly mentors–then perhaps we are too stubborn.
But, when our stubbornness gives us the ability to submit to God on a daily basis to resist the schemes of the devil, then stubbornness is a good quality.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Doesn’t the devil scheme to separate us from God? The devil tosses temptations in our paths, sets up roadblocks in an attempt to cause us to stumble, and instigates situations to threaten our faith.
When has sheer stubbornness enabled you to resist the devil’s schemes?
God created the beauty of the oak, the strength of that mighty tree, the gift of its beauty, and its fierce stubbornness to resist destruction. God has also gifted us with the persistence, determination, and stubbornness to resist the forces of evil, while granting us the wisdom to seek His protection.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11.
Wishing you blessings, my friends, and prayers that you use your gift of stubbornness for good purpose.
*Definitions are from Encarta Dictionary
Oh my goodness 💛 I never considered an Oak tree to be stubborn but I love the analogy in your post.
Thanks for bringing that to light. ❤️
It’s probably because I’m known for my tenacity (uh–stubbornness) that I recognize the attribute of stubbornness in a lot of aspects of nature. Thank you for your encouragement.
Wonderful analogy Ms. Katherine. Remind me that I need to explain my take on the difference between stubborn and tenacious one day my friend. 🙂 God’s blessings!
I would love to hear your explanation of the difference between tenacious and stubborn! I think it’s a very fine line, unless of course, we’re talking about ourselves. In that case, we ignore the negative connotations of the term stubbornness and “brag” about our persistence and tenacity in the face of adversity.
Katherine, my mom’s love of oak trees was contagious, and she named their property Twin Oaks. Therefore, your post drew me in immediately. I loved your analogy of the oak trees’ stubbornness to destruction. What a powerful statement you included: “God has also gifted us with the persistence, determination, and stubbornness to resist the forces of evil, while granting us the wisdom to seek His protection.” Thank you for a beautiful illustration and powerful message.
Like you mother, I love oak trees and we are blessed with an abundance of them surrounding our home. We lost a few during a massive storm in May, but even when down, the trees have blessed us. Their gift of firewood is keeping us a little warmer this winter. Thank you for the blessing you have given me today, my friend.
How alike we can be to other living things God has made. I love your take on stubbornness! It can be a good quality.
Sometimes it’s just sheer stubbornness that gets us through those tough times. I just pray that God helps us use our stubbornness to serve Him rather than ourselves. Of course, I guess that is what we humans struggle with the most (or at least I do), putting God and others first and ourselves last. Wishing you a blessed week-end, my friend.
Katherine, beautifully said. Truth.
Thank you for your encouragement, Dana, and for visiting my blog this week. Wishing you blessings (and just the right dose of stubbornness when you need it!)