We recently just moved, and so I decided to set up my fish tank. It has been, I know, every bit of three years since the tank has had fish in it, so we were all pretty excited about getting it back up and running. There’s something so serene about a fish aquarium—watching the fish swim, the water—I love it all! Anyhoo, after the tank was cleaned and set back up, and the fish were purchased; it was only a few days later, we noticed one of the fish looked weak—then he died. After him, another fish expired. All the fish died except for two. To my surprise, even the algae eater died.
After looking closely in the tank, we noticed that all the fish had white spots on them. So I did what only any curious person would do—I went on Google. What I found out was— the fish had been exposed to a disease called Ich.
Apparently, Ich is some type of parasite that is common in tropical fish (unlike our previous fish—we had cichlids. Oh how I miss them now!) The disease is fatal and highly contagious and can easily spread from one fish to the next. If not treated soon enough, the result is death.
Upon the advice of a friend and calling the local Petsmart store, we purchased the recommended medicine to help rid the tank of the issue that was killing off the fish. Out of all the fish that were in the tank, the last two held on until help arrived.
What appealed to me the most out of this situation was the two fish that lived. Just like the other fish, they were also affected by the disease, but they lived. One of them was literally on their last leg (well in this case, last fin) but he would not give up. I was blessed by this one fish persistence and tenacity to live. When it looked like he was out for the count, he would not lie down and die. He would not give up. In the end, only the strong survived.
As I was typing this blog, The Spirit reminded me of a dream I had a few weeks ago where God sent a message to tell His people to learn the gift of resilience. I must show you this:
Resilience- (definition provided by dictionary.com) 1. the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.
2. ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyancy.
I see this in the world today. Many are affected by their surroundings. Some self-inflicted and some due to no control of their own, but nevertheless, they are affected, hurting, giving up without a fight, and worst case—dying.
Please know that trials, tribulations, sufferings and yes, sin is rampant in the world, and we are just like the fish. No one is exempt. We are all in the world and will be affected by things throughout life. Yes, some self-induced and some we won’t have any control over, but regardless the situation, God wants you to learn to stand. To be rooted and grounded in Him. To not fall at every crisis and every sin that so easily entangles us. To be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters. To not give up. To learn to be resilient and stand against adversity. Even when you see others falling/dying around you—be persistent and determined to live. You might limp, crawl, or even have to be carried, but if you can just hold on, HELP IS SURELY ON THE WAY. It takes great strength
(which has nothing to do with your muscles and everything to do with your faith and trust in the Lord) and courage to stand during tough times, but you have to give it your best shot because truly, only the strong shall survive.
(which has nothing to do with your muscles and everything to do with your faith and trust in the Lord) and courage to stand during tough times, but you have to give it your best shot because truly, only the strong shall survive.
Stay Hopeful,
Clarissa
