2021 Daily Devotion - Day 302

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There are some interesting facts about the sisal plant from which is made tough sisal twine. It grows in Yucatan, Mexico, in hard stony soil.

Some Americans visited the area and decided that there might be good money to be made in growing the sisal plant in richer soil; under better conditions. So, they started a sisal plantation in Florida where the plant found life no longer a struggle for survival, and grew to an enormous size. The business promised tremendous returns until the time came for reaping. It was then that the leaf from which fibre, vital for the twine, came collapsed into a soft pulp. The tough fibre-quality was missing. They then learned the sisal plant acquired its toughness by its battle with adverse circumstances - the wind, the heat and the barren soil.

When we face the pain which life can bring, we have a choice. We can allow it to make us bitter, or stronger. We have the opportunity to understand the sorrows of our lives can also be our teacher and make us more resilient for the future. Whether it be issues of health or the problems created by this pandemic, we can become more robust. This is certainly true of our discipleship in Christ Jesus. Perhaps this is part of what the Apostle Paul is saying in Philippians chapter three:

Philippians 3:10 NRSV
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You are able to take the difficulties of life and turn them into something good. Maybe in these days, the something good is that we are becoming stronger people and stronger Christ followers. Give us a new perspective on the struggles we face in these days. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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