ARE YOU IN THE TANK? With a predator?

Experiencing difficulties? This might help.  A few years ago there was a strong public demand all over USA for codfish from the NE States.  The cod was caught, frozen and shipped, but the freezing destroyed much of the flavour. So they transported the cod live, in tanks of seawater, but this proved worse. The cod not only lost its flavour, but it became soft and mushy.

 

In the tank with a predator

Finally a creative person solved the problem. The cod were placed in the seawater tank with their natural enemy, the catfish. Throughout the whole voyage the catfish chased the codfish all over the tank. You guessed it: when the fish arrived at market they were as fresh as newly caught, with no loss of flavour or texture. In fact many people believed it was improved.

We might find ourselves in a tank of seemingly inescapable circumstances. It is painful to stay in the tank with the catfish, but they keep us alive, alert and growing. While difficulties are never welcome, they CAN be beneficial. It might be difficult to see the benefit at the time, but with hindsight we can often look back with thankfulness for the challenge.

I apply this true account to my Christian experience. It is possible to “coast along” in the Christian life but with little benefit to self or others. When we encounter difficulties and challenges and face them, depending on God’s promised empowerment and enabling, we grow in faith, strength and character.

# When written in Chinese the word “CRISIS” is composed of two characters – one represents DANGER and the other represents OPPORTUNITY.

#  Every problem has a gift for you in its hands.

#  When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

#  We acquire the strength we have overcome.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

#  When we long for life without difficulties, remember that Oak trees grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure

#  If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.