I recently read a story which illustrates how Christians should view life. Let me tell you about this story and you can see what you think.

In the story, a Christian is running from a hungry mountain lion. The Christian comes to the edge of a cliff ending any hope of escape from the pursuing mountain lion. Fortunately for the Christian, a vine happens to be growing over the edge. He grabs hold of it and begins to climb down the cliff. He is now out of the reach of the mountain lion, which is now glaring at him from above. Unfortunately, another mountain lion is waiting for him below. To make matters worse, he sees that a mouse on a ledge above him is beginning to chew through the vine on which he is climbing. Then out of the corner of his eye, the Christian sees a strawberry growing from the rock.

The question is this: What does he do, or more specifically, what would you do next in that situation?

The solution of the Christian in the story is that he picks the strawberry and eats it. But why? Surely there are other solutions to the problem? Yes, there probably are other solutions, but this one teaches a very clear lesson: we must trust in God no matter what the circumstances.

Our faith needs to be strong enough to believe that God is in control no matter what and that he knows what is best for us and our world. Faith in God does not necessarily mean that we believe he will intervene "to save us" in life threatening situations. But it does mean that we believe that no matter what happens to us, our Father is still in control of the universe and our destiny.

The apostle Paul dealt with this very question while he was in prison and writing to the Philippians. He said, "For to me, living is for Christ, and dying is even better. Yet if I live, that means fruitful service for Christ. I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: Sometimes I want to live, and sometimes I long to go and be with Christ. That would be far better for me, but it is better for you that I live." (Philippians 1:21-24) Either way, however, Paul was sure that what happened to him would turn out for his deliverance. (Philippians 1:19)

What would be better? Obviously it would be better to be in the presence of God. However, Paul recognized that we are put here on earth for a purpose, to render "fruitful service for Christ," and as long as we live we need to be trying to fulfill that purpose.

Seize the moment and enjoy life as God sets it out before you.
What is the meaning of the story of the strawberry? It is to teach us to take full advantage of whatever opportunities God places before us every instant of our lives! We can worry about the past and about the future, but all we are really promised is the "right now"! Someone has put it this way, "Plan like you are going to live forever, but live like you going to die today."

In other words, seize the moment and enjoy life as God sets it out before you. You may have a mountain lion behind you and a mountain lion before you, but look for the strawberry in your life this instant. James, the brother of Jesus wrote, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation or shifting shadows." (James 1:17 KJV) Let's find that gift. Let's live for that Father. Let's find that strawberry.

May God give you the ability to see the strawberry in your life today!