In my hike this past week I noticed a White oak about 30" diameter that was showing mature bark from the ground to 3' above the ground. White oak is characterized by the scaly light gray bark. As the tree gets older the more common furoughs take prominence.
I was making it a point to document where this tree is located to find it again in the spring in my search in different areas of woods. Later in my hike I came across this tree with the same White oak bark changing from immature to mature as the tree bowl thickens. This tree though as a patch of bark that does not mature at the base of the tree.
I come up close to the tree to see this bark. I take a photo below that shows what is happening with this bark. Some fungi is growing in the bark, keeping it from maturing.
If you click on the photo you will get a close up which will show better the fungi growing in the bark.
Why is the the bark diseased? I don't know but it could be because of a problem with the continued growth of the tree. Is the roots getting enough water? Or is the tree overshadowed? Or is the tree approaching its maximum age? Is the tree lacking the correct nutrients? Was there an injury that opened the tree to attack?
Our walk with the Lord also faces opposition. When we stagnate there is a reason from keeping us from growing.
Some of the basic areas of stagnation spiritually are with our heart. Are we divided in our heart.
Time, money, pride, etc.
There is only one way to deal with our heart. We give our life to Jesus and live for Him denying ourselves and taking up our cross and following Him.
Lack of opportunity can also cause us to stagnate. Just as a tree that is overshadowed will be hampered in maturing, so Christians that are not allowed to be active in their giftings will stagnate.
Here is a short Bible study I wrote on tree bark.
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