May 23, 2017
I like figs; therefore, I eagerly planted a seedling last spring. It spent its first growing season in a pot and produced about two or three figs at most. In the fall, I transplanted it into the earth in hopes it would survive the winter and emerge in the spring. Currently, it is bearing fruit. This morning a portion of my devotion included the Lesson of the Fig Tree. In my attempt to understand the concept further, I googled “fig tree in the Bible”; I came across a site that lists an amazing fact then proceeds with further explanation on the particular topic. I learned something today. All figs must be pollinated by a fig wasp, after which the wasp dies and decomposes inside the fruit! Does this mean there is a wasp inside the fig you just bought or harvested? No, figs contain an enzyme called ficin, which breaks down and essentially digests the wasp, making it a part of the fruit. It made me wonder how something so unpleasant to our senses, such as decomposition is necessary for the fruit to become edible.
That thought brought to me the unpleasant trials we face in life. Chronic illness, grief, caretaking, lonliness, depression, broken dreams, shattered families, or any of a number of trials we may be experiencing. When we are in our season of trial it sure can smell, look, and feel like decomposition. Are these serving a greater purpose? Are we being broken down to see clearly we cannot bear fruit without the assistance of someone/something greater? The process in which the wasp assists the fig is pollination; a mutual relationship necessary to sustain life. I know I could not survive without Christ in my life. I’ve learned that, most acutely when I have experienced my own seasons of decomposition. My hope is that I’m following His will while exhibiting the Fruits of the Spirit. Be blessed y’all!
Lessons Learned When... 