“L& that drinks in the rain often falling on it & that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God.” (Hebrews 6:7)
I have not had much experience with farming, but I know enough about gardening to see an interesting lesson for myself in this verse.
If the “l&” of my life is going to produce crops, it must first be tilled. This involves using sharp tools, such as my pain & illnesses, to dig up & remove anything that would hinder my spiritual growth. I do not enjoy the process of being tilled & hoed, but God knows what needs to be removed, including the idol I sometimes make of good health. He then plants His seeds of perseverance, joy, patience, thanksgiving, faith, & others.
Once God plants these seeds, I face other challenges in order to grow. The rains do not always come in gentle showers, but may also come in heavy floods, taking days to absorb. The sun does not always shine with comforting warmth, but with an intense & scorching heat. Soft breezes can become fierce gales.
Yet God controls the elements in my life just as He controls the elements in nature. He knows that by His power, I am capable of producing these crops of fruit for Him, even in weakness & pain. If I allow whatever wind, sun, & rain He sends to bring growth, God will honor & bless that. Perhaps the blessing will not be in the form of my choosing at this moment, but He will bring it.
The Lord has called each of us to bear fruit that will last (John 15:16). The blessing that comes from being obedient to that calling, regardless of the obstacles we face, includes a peace & contentment that the world can neither give nor underst&. He will sustain us through any conditions, until He harvests us home.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I willingly allow You to be my life’s gardener. Use my weaknesses to produce fruit for You, as I abide in You. Amen.
About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA & is blessed to have the support & encouragement of a wonderful husb& & three grown daughters. God’s grace & strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, & fibromyalgia. You may contact her at spindler@cox.net & view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.