The natives of North and...
Illustration
The natives of North and South America grew a special type of corn that we still produce today. It is different from other grains because it explodes into fluffy, white "blossoms" when exposed to heat. Ordinary corn placed on a grill and brought to 400 degrees Fahrenheit simply dries up and gets hard. But not so with popcorn! The high temperature creates within its moist substance a gas that expands and breaks open its tough outer shell. This allows the pure white pulp to burst forth into an edible treat that is the delight of young and old.
There is a parallel here with the Christian life. When trials come, many persons shrivel and become embittered. Some, however, are like popcorn -- enlarged by the fires of trouble -- they bring blessings to others. Like Paul and Silas at midnight, believers in each age respond in faith to life's trials. Submitting to God's will, they experience a cracking of the shell that releases the pleasing fruit of the Spirit. Our Savior, who accomplished this by breaking the bonds of death in our behalf, wills to do this in our daily lives as well.
There is a parallel here with the Christian life. When trials come, many persons shrivel and become embittered. Some, however, are like popcorn -- enlarged by the fires of trouble -- they bring blessings to others. Like Paul and Silas at midnight, believers in each age respond in faith to life's trials. Submitting to God's will, they experience a cracking of the shell that releases the pleasing fruit of the Spirit. Our Savior, who accomplished this by breaking the bonds of death in our behalf, wills to do this in our daily lives as well.
