The banana, as we know it today, is facing a potentially catastrophic future. A deadly fungus, referred to as Tropical Race 4 (TR4), has decimated banana plantations in southeast Asia for 30 years and has finally made its way to Latin America.

What’s most concerning about this is that 99% of Latin America banana exports are the Cavendish. The Cavendish came about because the previously popular variety, the Gros Michel, fell due to a Fusarium strain. “Once it’s in a country, it’s very hard to get rid of it,” says Dan Bebber, a senior lecturer in biosciences also at Exeter University. It turns out TR4 lives in the soil and is quickly spread. Once present in soil, it can stay dormant for years before infecting banana plants through their roots. It’s a silent killer.

This fungus shares many similarities with sin we allow sin to live deep in our lives. When we don’t eradicate it, it will one day come back to destroy us.

FX3 Challenge:

Read:

Read and meditate on James 1:13-15. What do these verses say to you?

Pray:

What sin(s) hiding deep inside you, need to be eradicated?

Meditate / Make It Real:

What will you do today to start the eradication process, and how will you let Christ heal you?