The process of making silk fabric requires only a temperate climate, an abundance of mulberry trees, and a small white moth, the “silk moth”, to lay eggs that produce silkworms who make cocoons after devouring the mulberry leaves. The cocoons themselves are made into silk after processing, as a “thread” is unwound from each cocoon and can be woven into silk fabric

The Chinese have produced silk for literally thousands of yeas, some of those years with a total monopoly on the “secret” of the silk worm and the process of producing silk. What appears to be a simple process is really very labor intensive for the workers; timing is crucial, and drought, excessive rain, early or late frost, all impact the process. It is largely perseverance that makes a silk industry successful.

“Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

During the building of the Great Wall of China, silk was sometimes used as currency to pay the builders. Silk became vital in uniting the many provinces of China and establishing a profitable trade with the rest of the known world for many centuries. Silk is versatile and luxurious, a highly desirable textile with multiple uses and genuine beauty.

The promises of God are rich and linked to eternity. The gifts He extends supply our needs and His words echo with reassurance: “As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7) “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1, 2)

The Chinese enjoyed the profit from their knowledge of silk, a product desired across the world. Christians of all kinds hear the call of the promise of eternal life, and respond in perseverance. The word of God comes to us like silk, full of promise and hope, beauty and fulfillment. God looks for perseverance in us.

Love in Him,

Prue