November 7, 2019

The Old Made New

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

The John Deere tractor fires up without a second’s hesitation. I shift it into gear and soon we are headed through an open gate toward a field that is overgrown with weeds. I drop the bush hog and it begins to slice the weeds with precision.

Up and down the hills and terraces we go. Each pass reveals more of the beauty that lies beneath the weeds. I love that about bush hogging. Results are immediate and distinctive. Each movement forward erases the darkness that once seemed overwhelming.

I spent most of my life being told I couldn’t drive a tractor and, surely, would never be able to bush hog a field. I’ve surprised everyone, perhaps even myself. But not God. Nothing ever surprises God. He knows exactly what we are capable of accomplishing if we will only believe.

Oh, it hasn’t always been smooth. I’m only now bush hogging some of the steeper areas of the property. I’ve learned to go slow and hold tight. It’s like going through a tough time in life. Holding tight to God, to His promises, will see you through the darkest days. It doesn’t mean those days won’t come. They will. But it means you are anchored in truth and held close by a loving Father who cherishes you.

When you give your life into His care, it’s amazing what becomes possible. Stepping out in faith allows you to do what you never thought possible. Holding tight to the One who loves you most allows Him to transform your life into something new.

The pasture looks beautiful today. The weeds and thorns of yesterday are gone and new growth has sprung up in its place. See, He’s doing a new thing. It is beautiful and it is good.

December 4, 2018

Depend on Jesus

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. –  Luke 8:24

The storm raged through the night. Lightening flashed again and again turning the blackness into daylight time after time. The weather radio sounded repeatedly. It was a long night.

There was nothing to do but ride it out in the safety of our home. Well. That’s not really true. Again and again I prayed to God for protection. I asked Him to cover the livestock with His hands. I thanked Him for staying with us through the storm.

The hours of night seemed to last forever. Just when we thought the end was near, another band of rain and wind swept over us. Again and again and again. Would it never end?

Of course, it did end. We survived to emerge and survey the damage. We were blessed. Power remained. Fences stood. The cattle were fine. We gathered ourselves together and headed to worship our God, our Protector, Our Creator.

Some storms are like that. They come for a time and then they are done. Other storms seem to linger into weeks and months, even years. And just when you think you’re standing again, here comes another wave to knock you back down. Have you been there? Do you know someone who is?

One of the most beautiful things about having a close relationship with Jesus is that we never have to walk alone. He stands with us. He settles us, reminding us again not to be afraid. Because no matter how strong the storm seems, Jesus is stronger still.

The disciples were afraid. They saw the wind and the raging waters. They were afraid they would drown. Jesus slept, seemingly oblivious to what was going on around them. When they woke Him, Jesus spoke and the storm vanished. Then He admonished them for their lack of faith.

That’s what happens to us sometimes. We get so consumed with the storm that we lose sight of the One who is in control of it all. We forget that we truly have no need to fear, no matter what happens, because Jesus can calm any situation.

That doesn’t mean we won’t have troubled waters. We do and we will. This journey to heaven isn’t easy and there is much heartache and disappointment along the way. But there is also joy and blessings and so many good and wonderful things. Jesus is the author of it all.

When the storm rages and you feel like you’re losing both your hope and your footing, refocus your eyes and your heart on Jesus. Let Him steady you on the journey. Trust Him to anchor you to withstand whatever comes your way.