In parts of England, a special variety of rhubarb is harvested by candlelight in the depths of winter.

In a 9-square-mile area known as the “Rhubarb Triangle” in England’s
West Yorkshire county, the plant is grown in total darkness and harvested by candlelight.

This is to trick the plants into thinking it’s spring, reawakening the roots and forcing them to grow quickly in the warm, dark sheds.

The plant “panics” without sunlight. During the next eight weeks, it enters a growing frenzy, aggressively using its stored energy and growing upward in an attempt to seek out light.

It grows so fast, it even makes noise: In the otherwise silent sheds, farmers say they can hear the stalks creaking as they reach up into the darkness.

Get this: As the plants stretch quickly in search of sun, their cells elongate as well, making the stalks more tender. Then plant also draws on its stash of stored sugars to grow, making for noticeably sweeter rhubarb.

Here’s the catch: To get this texture and flavor, the harvest—like the growing—must happen in darkness. Workers move quietly between rows, handpicking each stalk, while candles elevated on spikes glow around them.

You can probably guess where I’m going with this.
Sometimes . . . the dark times produce our greatest spiritual growth.

• David running for his life from Saul for 15 years. But those dark years
provided exactly what David needed to become a great king.

• The Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years before entering the
Promised Land. This was necessary to get “Egypt” out of their lives and
become the people God desired.

• Jonah living for three days inside the belly of a giant fish. Yet, when he
emerged, he preached powerfully to the citizens of Ninevah and ushered in
a tremendous revival.

On and on and on . . . throughout Scripture, we see this truth.

You may be currently experiencing some dark days. Ask God what He
wants you to learn and become during this difficult time. Trust that He’s
preparing you for tremendous growth.

You are loved!
Susie