Last week, I watched my neighbor rake the scattered leaves
into mounds around his yard and then bag them. The next morning a new carpet of
leaves coated his grass. Enthusiastically, he cleared the yard again. Yet, the
following morning the same sight greeted my eyes with the dawning light!
I do not know how he had the joy and energy to repeat this
process for an entire fall. I get tired of dealing with life's little
repetitive problems, especially when the same problems persist endlessly. I do
not mind the new challenges, which I face with the dawn of each morning; but
the petty, mindless issues wear my patience thin!
We often put our self in situations outside of the will of
God for our life. We rush headlong into the circumstance without one prayer. At
other times, God Himself sends scattered trials, to remind us to depend on Him.
Once the situation resolves, we often realize that the trials were seeds for a
miracle, which worked out for our good (Romans 8:28).
Hindsight teaches us that many, various experiences are a
needful part of God’s plan and purpose for our life. God also teaches us
patience, which He uses to perfect us (James 1:4). In the
midst of our complaining, the Lord reminds us that we shall reap, if we do not
get weary while we do good in His name and by His Spirit's direction.
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that if we were to stop “raking” the
“yard”, which You give us, the new “green sprouts” beneath the “leaves” would
die and fail to germinate in the “spring.” The "leaves" of circumstances
would hinder the new growth in our spirit and soul from sprouting and reaching
the life-giving Son they need for nourishment.
Lord, if we
continue to trust You through the mundane issues we face each and every day, we
will eventually see the fruit of our labors. Then, when we reach eternity we
will hear You say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Thought for the Day:
Life flows more smoothly when we give thanks to God in
everything, because we serve at our King's pleasure.
