Watermelon and Pineapples
The fruit that is grown in these lands, is indescribably delicious. There is nothing to compare to the pineapples! But, sometimes, in order to be formal, they will rinse their fruit in water, before serving them to their guests. If the water is not clean, this delicious fruit, must not be eaten. Yes, the Bible says that we are to eat what is set before us, but, if God has not given us faith and grace, in the eating and drinking, one can become very, very sick, from contaminated water, to which the local people have built up an immunity. Once, when Karen and I ministered in the Holy Land, the local people promised our tour group that the water in Jerusalem was totally pure and dependable. Half of our tour group decided to take the local water by faith, while the rest of us decided to take the bottled water by faith. Those who took the local water by faith, became very, very sick. Can you imagine, investing 12 days, and thousands of dollars to go on such a trip, only to be vomiting and running to the toilet, headache and dizziness, simply because you wanted to brag on having faith?? At additional cost, we stick with the bottled water. Recent strong recommendations from the state department, indicate that the local water must be boiled for at least 20 minutes before it can be considered safe!!! It is sometimes difficult for the local people to understand this, and they will rinse glasses or dishes with contaminated water, before serving liquid or food. Obviously, when one is in a situation where one must eat or drink, or be weak, ill or offensive, then one must trust to the grace of God, and partake in faith. Thus, we do.