There is an unusual monument in Enterprise, Alabama. It honors the Mexican boll weevil. In 1895, the boll weevil began to destroy the major crop of the region, cotton. In desperation to survive, the farmers had to diversify, and by 1919, the county’s peanut crop was many times what cotton had been at its height. In that year of prosperity a fountain and monument were built. The inscription reads: “In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the Herald of Prosperity this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama.”

Out of a time of struggle and crisis had come new growth and success. Out of adversity had come blessing.

The next time you find yourself in a season of desperation, take hope. Perhaps God is leading you into a time of new growth, of new direction. Have faith that there is a reason for the current difficulty you are experiencing.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”—Romans 8:28