A Basket of Lemons

One day I was looking at a basket of bright yellow lemons and pink grapefruit. I happen to enjoy pink grapefruit, but I prefer lemons in cheesecake or pie.

You’ve probably heard the slogan When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade. It sounds good, but really it’s a rather messy time-consuming process.

I was intrigued by a basketful of lemons in scripture. Six problems were listed with two common denominators: 1) cause of stress, and 2) need for a timely solution.

The lemons listed in Habakkuk 3:17 included non-budding fig trees, fruitless grapevines, olive crop failure, fields yielding no food, plus empty sheep pens and cattle stalls.

Which of these lemons could be turned into lemonade overnight? None! Each one would require time and perseverance to improve or overcome.

The most fitting advice might be Winston Churchill’s famous quote: “Never, never, never give up.”   

The writer of Habakkuk was certainly realistic about his lemon list. What is interesting is his recipe for lemonade.

In verse eighteen it begins with trust in God. That attitude gave him a joyful spirit. He would persevere in processing his lemons because his strength would come from God.

We could declare Covid-19 a basket of lemons. They differ in size and amount from person to person and even country to country; however, they have brought new life to a poem I wrote several years ago.

Perhaps it will inspire you to persevere in making some personal lemonade:

ONWARD TO VICTORY

By Darlis Sailors, 2016

Life is bitter, where once it was sweet.

Faith feels worthless, and prayers seem weak.

But faith is not feelings, so onward you go

Into battle with power to meet every foe.

God’s Word gives you hope; His presence empowers.

There’s victory ahead, just not at this hour.

The timing is His, but joy will be sweet

When testing is over---your victory complete.