Feeble Fungi

As I reread these thoughts written this week, I thought, What a silly comparison! Everyone knows how weak a toadstool is. It is nothing compared to a tree. But that is how foolish humans are to believe their own strength is all they need to navigate life.

                With the much-appreciated rains, fungi sprang up in the yard. At a distance, those stick-straight toadstools appeared as beautifully-crafted sculptures with such rich textures. My mind imagined them as brilliantly-white, furry structures or nature's mini-cupcakes sprinkled with coconut. As my father might say they were "pretty little things" adorning the summer lawn. 

                With my foot, I gently pushed at the base of one the lovely-appearing fungi. Over the little white toadstool fell. Even if this fungus had been a thousand times taller, I could have easily toppled it.

                Appearances can lead to a deceptive attitude. Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Prior to this verse, Paul reminded his readers of God’s abundant provision in the lives of the ancient Hebrews. Yet in their arrogance, the people deliberately chose to follow their own desires, disregarding blatantly God’s goodness to them and resisting His commands for successful living.

 That vulnerable toadstool mirrored the Israelites who ignored brazenly the purposeful guidance of the Almighty God who alone knew what would work out for the best for their nation. Their strength qualified as nothing compared to God. Paul stated emphatically in 1 Corinthians 1:25, The weakness of God is stronger than men. Trusting in our own strength will ultimately lead to our downfall.

                Withstanding a drought and even bearing fruit are characteristic of the sturdy tree used by Jeremiah in the simile, He shall be like a tree planted by the river. Experiencing growth and spiritual productivity during the most trying times are the results of trusting in a strong God. Jeremiah, the Old Testament prophet, gives the strategy for standing strong – unlike the vulnerable, feeble fungus. This passage stands as the toadstool’s antithesis. Jeremiah 17:7-8 states unequivocally.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,  
And whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the river.
And will not be anxious in the year of drought  Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

                This passage from Paul’s third chapter of Ephesians, verses 16-19, serves as a basis for a prayer for one’s self or for loved ones for inner strength along with a rootedness, groundedness, and knowledge of the love of Christ. Praying and meditating or thinking throughout the day on these verses consistently will make one like the strong, productive tree planted by the river instead of a feeble fungus.

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory,

To be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,

That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;

That you, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all the saints 

What is the width and length and depth and height-

To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;

That you may be filled with all the fullness of God.