How can you avoid being crushed when you feel pressed down harder each day? Angi shares.
“When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil? . . . Grain must be ground to make bread; so one does not go on threshing it forever. The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it, but one does not use horses to grind grain. All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, and whose wisdom is magnificent” (Isaiah 28:23-24, 28-29).
One evening, I heard the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit whisper, “One does not go on threshing forever.”
The Lord brought me hope through this unfamiliar verse, however my first thought was a question. “This threshing is going to end? Really?”
The next day I received a message from a dear friend who sent me the same verse only a few hours later. The icing on the cake was a depiction of Ruth in the wheat fields that she included in her message. I was stunned!
Threshing means to flail or thrash the wheat in order to separate the seed from the chaff.
I know what it feels like to be thrashed, pressed hard, rolled over, and struck down . . . and I know that you do too.
I believe God threshes us to rid us of earthly desires. He refines us through fire so we look more like Him, and He prunes us so that we will bear fruit.
As I studied this passage in Isaiah, these thoughts came to mind:
* We must be ground into grain in order to feed others the bread of life.
* In order to feed others we will share in His sufferings.
* We can trust that God knows when to cease fire!
The Bible tells us that unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces a harvest (John 12:24).
Jesus had to be crushed to save the world, knowing His death would produce a great harvest of souls that would follow Him.
Dear friend, God’s wisdom is magnificent and His plan is wonderful. Our pain has a purpose that will pale in comparison to the inexpressible joy in hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Prayer: Father, thank You for pouring out Your love, mercy and grace in the midst of our pain. Show us how to glorify You through these hard trials, and to be encouraged that even though we are hard pressed on every side, You will not allow us to be crushed. Although we are perplexed, we are not in despair; we may be struck down, but we will not be destroyed! (2 Corinthians 4: 8-9).
About the Author:
Angie Dugi lives in Texas with her husband and their three children. For almost two decades she has struggled with Lupus, Sjogrens, fibromyalgia, and RA. She loves to write and delights in telling others about Jesus. She is the author of “What I Learned Lying Down-Hope for the Chronically ill” and “GodSmiles.” You can find her blog at www.mygodsmiles.net
Can you think of other reasons that God may thresh us?
This is Nick Vujicic, motivational speaker, founder of Life without Limbs, new dad and so much more–and yes, he sings too. This is a heart-touching video as he sings “Something More.” We all want something more, and yet we look at our life and we just don’t see it coming together–we don’t know how God can work with what we’ve got. I hope this blesses you, but grab a tissue. Because I hope it doesn’t just move you, but reminds you that as Angi shared, the threshing will not go on forever and there is something more. Hugs…. -Lisa
Angi – I just love this devotional message you have shared with us!
I don’t recall “ever” reading that Isaiah verse although I am often reading in “Isaiah”.
I agree – all refining is done via the caring hands of the One who knows best what He wants refined.
Being open to what that is can bring meaning out of times that, without Him, would remain in deep mystery.
I also loved being reminded of the faithfulness of Ruth and what all came forth for her in her obedience and led her to Boaz.
What a full and inspiring read through your thoughts.
Thanks so much!
Lynn
Thank you Lynn for the encouragement. This verse speaks to me about God’s mercy too. Jesus was crushed so we don’t have to be! He loves us so much.
Thanks for this great insight Angie – not sure I’d thought about that.
Love when God plants a verse (seed) and follows it with reinforcement in other ways – time to look deeper!
Blessings,
Fiona
Fiona, I love when the Lord reveals something new to us and opens our eyes to a deeper meaning. I thank God that even though we may “feel” crushed His eye is upon us.
God bless you!
Thank you so much Angi.
God blessed you. For Courageous verse. God prunes us so that we bear fruit. For my Christian life.
To be Christ like. As I obey God.
I THANK GOD I HAVE HIM.
AND HE GAVE ME HOPE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH LISA.
FOR BEING A FRIEND.
THERE IS SOMETHING MORE.
BECAUSE GOD LOVES US SO MUCH.
I’m late in responding Venus, but I wanted to reach out to you and say that you are so loved by the Lord. I thank God that He is with us to comfort us and strengthen us. Jesus love you and I do too!
Love and blessings,
Angie
Thank you so much for your devotional, I really need it today. It is perfect timing for me – as always, when it is God’s word. I am an avid cook and having the image of the threshing floor is perfect to remind me of Jesus’ promises to His people.
Wow! Soooo cool that God gave the same message the next day to get your attention, Angie! Love it when God surprises like that. It immediately made me pay attention to your message. Loved your 3 thoughts that arose from this….. very special. As others have said, it’s inspiring, so thank YOU!
Your words & prayer really prepared me well for the beautiful video clip that Lisa added to this message. Very teary! God bless you both. LOTSoluv Kerryn
I know Kerryn, isn’t God incredible! I love when He confirms a message to me that He wants me to pay attention to. I often need that reminder. I love how He surprises us too.
The video brought tears to my eyes. I just love Nick’s story. He is amazing!
May God bless you with His grace and peace tonight sweet Kerryn.
Love you <3
I really appreciate this devotional. Your devotionals have encouraged me and I can hardly wait for the next one. Keep up the encouragement.