Dear Friends,
A cactus plant grows in Israel and in other desert areas that is called Sabra. It's prickly but has beautiful orange or yellow flowers bursting from the tops of the leaves and sweet fruits grow after the flowers bloom. In Morocco they have used this plant for centuries to make a gorgeous, shiny silk fabric that is made into scarves.
The fruit and fabric that comes from this plant can symbolize God's provision during a wilderness season of life. God provided a way of protection for the Israelites during the night that all the firstborn of the Egyptians perished. He was with them when they came to the Red Sea and allowed them to pass through on dry ground and then the Sea closed on the Egyptians providing safety for His people. They saw mighty works with their own eyes. They ate the honey flavored manna when they were hungry and got water from a rock when they were thirsty.
During wilderness times the thorns and rocky terrain can keep us from seeing the flowers and the fruit. Even in a desert testing time God has provision.
Hebrews 3:14
"For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ."
2Corinthians 9:8
"And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."
Many times I need reminders of the faithfulness of God, gentle words to bring me back to trust and gratitude. Reading or listening to encouraging testimonies of how God was near to someone during a trial can help us gain new strength to endure and triumph in the desert.
Psalm 100:4
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."
I'm thankful for the prickly Sabra plant and the lessons we can learn from God's beautiful creation.
Well said. I also need to be reminded, sometimes several times a day. :)
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