The camel has the remarkable ability to carry heavy loads for long distances; often traveling in the heat of the dessert without rest, food, or water.  He is strong and powerful, has an innate ability to endure, and was created with a body perfectly suited to the harsh environment it inhabits. Of all the animals God created, it is the camel that exemplifies perseverance. 

We too, are equipped  for the journey of life.  Hardships, trials, and challenges will undoubtedly arise, inflicting quite a “ lump or two” along the way.  It is these difficult times that deepens our reliance on God and develops inner strength.  When times get tough, follow the example of the camel. Pursue the road of righteousness. Take your lumps and your humps and keep going…. and persevere for the promise.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12 NIV

Arabian or Dromedary Camels have one hump and are found in northern Africa and the Arabian deserts of the Middle East in southwestern Asia.

Bactrian Camels have two humps and live in the rocky deserts of East and Central Asia.

Equipped for the Journey.

🐪 The camel’s hump contains fat tissue, not water as commonly thought.

🐫 The camel’s hump functions somewhat like a gas tank releasing nutrients to the camel’s body in order for it to persevere during times when food and water are not readily available.  Amazingly, this unique creature can survive six months without food or water.

🐪 Like a balloon, the camel’s hump slowly inflates over time when ingested nutrients build up fat tissue.  Likewise, the hump diminishes and falls to the side when the animal depletes fat tissue through lack of food and water. 

🐪When camels do have an opportunity to drink, they can consume up to 40 gallons in one sitting.

🐫 The camel’s durable coat reflects sunlight, preventing overheating.

🐪 Hair inside the ear provides a protective barrier from blowing sand. 

🐫 The camel has three eyelids. A top and bottom that are covered with a double row of eyelashes, and a third that is a clear membrane that  moves across the eye much like a windshield wiper, removing debris from the eye as it sweeps back and forth.  During sand storms the camel utilizes this third lens to completely cover the eyeball preventing particles from entering the eye.

🐪 Camels can close their nostrils at will; protecting themselves from inhaling the blowing desert sand.

🐫 The inside of the camel’s mouth and lips are tough, allowing them to feed on even the most prickly plants found in their habitat.

🐪 Camels  have large flat feet that expand, preventing them from sinking in the sand.

🐫 Camels are tall and often reach a hump height of seven feet.  Their long legs elevate their bodies from the heat of the desert sand.

🐪 Camels have the ability to run at a steady pace of 25 mph, but can reach speeds up to 40 mph for short distances.

A Gift To Man

🐪Camels have provided transportation to man for thousands of years.  These creatures are very strong and have the ability to carry loads up to 500 lbs for long distances.

🐪Have you ever tried camel milk or meat, cozied up in a camel wool blanket, worn a camel hat or coat, or carried a camel hyde handbag or briefcase?

Quirky like the rest of us!

🐫As a defense mechanism, camels will spit regurgitated food when they feel threatened.

🐪This very social animal greets one another by blowing in each others face.

By Laurie Cervantez

Reference

The Bible N.I.V.; James 1:12

https://www.livescience.com/27503-camels.html

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/b/bactrian-camel/

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/a/arabian-camel/

https://kidskonnect.com/animals/camel/