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Praise God for challenges!

salmon 400CFRegular columnist Ruth Tong explains that conflicts and challenges can actually make us stronger.

 
Proverbs 27:17- ‘Iron sharpens iron as one man sharpens another’
 
In the 1800’s, with the dawn of worldwide travel, rich Californians developed an appetite for Atlantic salmon having tasted it in Europe, but there was a problem: The Panama Canal hadn’t been built (it wasn’t finished until 1914), and in order to get to California from the Atlantic Ocean ships would have to sail right around the Cape Horn of South America. Many salmon died en route in the cargo hold, and the ones that made it lost muscle tone and didn’t taste so good.
 
So, some bright spark suggested the sailors throw a Northern Pike into the tank of ‘smolts’ young salmon. This changed everything, whilst a few salmon got eaten the rest arrived toned and healthy as they out swam their natural predator.
 
This is a true story with a simple moral - conflict can be good for us. It can keep us toned and sharp. As we flex and manoeuvre through the difficulties of life we become strong and fit for purpose.
 
Praise God for the folks who get up your nose, or the situation that requires increasing patience and self-control…these things are dumb bells to your character; Pick ‘em up and get pumping!
 
“Lord please help me to see those who wind me up as your gift to me to help me stay flexible and fit for your purposes for me”.

The salmon image is courtesy of https://pixabay.com
 


 

Ruth TongRuth Tong is the Coordinator of Women’s Ministries at Eternity Downham Market, and is the author of ‘Love Drops from Heaven’.  Ruth regularly blogs at ruthtong.com/blog

 


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