From the outside looking at today

Though the fig tree may not blossom,Nor fruit be on the vines;Though the labor of the olive may fail,And the fields yield no food;Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,And there be no herd in the stalls-- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.(Hab 3:17-18)

Fig trees are resilient against frost, pests, and fungus. So what could possibly cause a fig tree to not blossom? The flower of the fig tree is the fruit, which needs to be cross pollinated but not by bees. There is a certain wasp that cross pollinates the tree. The wasp must find a home for its young inside the fruits of a fig species known as 'Caprifig'.

Caprifig, then, must be available in the vicinity of the edible fig tree so that wasps hatching from the caprifigs can enter the edible figs and pollinate the hidden flowers. (The wasps are actually laying eggs for the next generation and, in the process, are carrying pollen to the female flowers. We all know what wasps do to humans, yea they sting.

Ironic that the very insect that causes pain is needed to provide food, which in turn makes us grow strong. It's interesting what God uses to make us grow stronger. I find myself not agreeing with some of Gods methods(like a telephone pole).

We are encouraged to rejoice in Him during these times with whatever little faith we have left knowing we will walk away stronger. Okay God easier said then done! "Teach me what I do not see...." (Job 34:32)