Monday, April 26, 2010

Wisdom from a Farmer

Good Morning Everyone! Hope you all are enjoying the April Showers! This morning I had the joy of running in them until my clothing had taken on the additional burden of at least 5 pounds of water or at least it felt that way. When telling one of my coworkers (who just happens to be a third generation farmer) about the experience he gave me a pearl of wisdom that I wanted to share. He said "You know my Mom told me that God never gives us what we can't handle and I'm thinking, God sure does think alot of my capabilities based on all he lays at my feet."

I guess I never really thought about it that way... being flattered that God is giving you many different things to deal with and knowing that you will come through because of the strength of your character and resolve he has instilled in you. I, as many of those around me, are quick to jump to the conclusion that somehow we're being punished for something when life isn't going smoothly. I can't count the number of times I've said "God, what did I do to deserve this?" Using the farmer's wisdom above perhaps I should have said "Thank You for having this much confidence in me when I don't have it in myself to handle it all."

Doesn't this all come down to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? And, Isn't it awesome to watch God at work? Let Go and Let God is one of my favorite sayings. I'm so very stubborn that I try to do things on my own way to often and end up beating my head against the wall. Maybe that is why my perspective wasn't like the farmers. Maybe I need to be better at giving it over. We all know that alone, we are nothing, but with God we cannot be beaten. I'm hoping that we can keep the farmer's thoughts fresh in our minds as we start the final week of April and that we allow God to do his work in and through us. Finally a verse that's on my mind which relates:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Love in Christ,
Steve

1 comment:

  1. Ruck,

    You make a very excellent point about perspective. I too find myself often asking "why" when something bad happens but as Alexis says very often, "Things happen for a reason" and very often something beautiful results from an "unfortunate" situation. By simply changing my mindset and accepting God's will, I find that even the most "miserable" situation truly has a silver lining.

    Your brother in Christ,

    Steve

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