In my backyard are several fruit trees. Each one is shielded to some degree from the traversing sun by fir, cedar and maple that are older and tower above them. What is fascinating is how the apple, cherry, plum and apricot contort their branches in the best direction possible to capture maximum sunlight.
Meditation
Romans 5:3-5—Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Without the sun no fruit will come. To survive and be strong, tree limbs stretch in whatever direction that yields maximum exposure to sunlight. Suffering, (being shaded from the sun), causes perseverance. Spring and summer each tree races to be the best ray catcher. Any trunk that gives up growing soon will have no fruit for showing. Perseverance produces character. Each woody plant is unique in configuration as she strains towards the light. Her shape, health and the quality of her fruit identify her character. Character produces hope. Each woody plant is rewarded for her uncompromising quest for light by receiving the energy she needs to remain healthy.
Without the Son no fruit will come. To survive and be strong, we must stretch our hearts in whatever direction that yields maximum obedience to His will. Suffering, (whatever opposes His will), causes perseverance. Daily we must die to fleshly cravings, lustful eyes and worldly pride (1 John
Inspiration
Other men see only a hopeless end, but the Christian rejoices in an endless hope.—Gilbert Beenken
