Strange Fruit

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance James 1:2-3

Some of the worlds best tasting fruits do not come from the grocery store or the farmers market. In fact, some of the best fruits in the world are produced in harsh tropical conditions where few people have dared to travel.

Take for example the Durian fruit. It survives tropical heat and humidity and often endures tropical storms. Despite it’s rugged spiked exterior and funny smell it gives off a taste of the sweetest carmelized custard that cannot be compared to any other. It is no wonder the natives of South East Asians where this fruit can be found have labeled it “the king of all fruit”.

The Christian life can often be like this. While God has graciously blessed others in abundance, He has decided to keep some of us in the heat, humidity and enduring many storms for the sole purpose of His glory. These conditions will leave us emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. But the end result is a tried and tested character that can only be produced in the harshest conditions that gives of the sweetest flavor.