By Brenda Groves
The Post Newspaper Contributing Writer
Our neighbors decided to get an earlier start on their small vegetable garden this season, normally they plant cucumbers, peppers and a variety of tomatoes.
As we visited I watched them preparing the soil for planting, and I was reminded of when my husband and I decided to plant our own garden several years ago.
As beginners, that first year the pickin’s were pretty sparse. Yet, by the third season our little garden began to produce in abundance, especially our tomato plants. I refrained from using too many pesticides, trying home remedies instead, and it looked like a success.
Now, even though I grew up on a small farm, I didn’t pay much attention to the details. So for us, it was a “learn as you grow” experience.
But that year the plants were beautiful! Every day I doted over them, as I watched them ripen full and juicy. I thoroughly enjoyed our little tomato plants!
Well, one morning as I walked the rows inspecting and admiring their progress I happened to turn a leaf over and discovered a plump green worm munching away!
I quickly killed it and began a closer inspection, sure enough, there were several more rascals scattered throughout, and many tomatoes were already destroyed. In just one night!
War was declared!
Every day I pulled up a small stool and examined each leaf for the disgusting intruders. At one time I had looked forward to spending time in my garden, but that soon turned to dread after the first assault. Many nights I lay awake imaging all the damage being done.
Our plants produced a few good tomatoes, but not nearly the crop we had hoped for. My heart was so sad over our losses that season.
Flash forward a few weeks later, when I was getting dressed for an event and my heart was heavy for another reason. At that time, I was seeing destructive lifestyles happening in the lives of people I love, and my heart hurt for them. As I was finishing getting ready I asked the Lord, “How do YOU want me to see this?”
I will never forget His response.
“Brenda, stop looking for the worms, or you will miss the fruit.”
Someone needs to understand this today.
Your situation seems hopeless because you have been looking too long at the influences of the devil, instead of at “the God of hope.”
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are TRUE,
whatever things are NOBLE,
whatever things are JUST,
whatever things are PURE,
whatever things are LOVELY,
whatever things are of GOOD report,
if there is any VIRTUE and if there is anything PRAISEWORTHY- meditate on these things.
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV
There is always a “good” report in every situation. Because the word of God IS the GOOD report.
If you are facing a divorce, praise Jesus the Lord will never divorce you.
“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.” NKJV
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6, Heb. 13:5-8 NKJV
Or if someone is sick the word declares that, “by His stripes you WERE healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
“… He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” Matt: 8:17 (There are over 100 verses regarding healing in the Bible. Jesus’ ministry alone declares that it’s God’s will to heal.)
Are you about to lose your job? What about these good reports … “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” Psalm 23.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NKJV
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, always having All sufficiency in ALL things, may have an abundance for every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:8.
Another in the AMP translation Isaiah 46:4 declares this, “Even to your old age I am He, and even to your advanced old age I will carry you! I have made you, and I will carry you; be assured I will carry you and I will save you.”
Also, in a time of dire need, as I sought the Lord He gave me this verse, and He said my name while I was reading it. (He even cut in the middle of the verse. LOL!)
“Brenda, … but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen!” Romans 16:19-20 NKJV
Romans 2:11 declares that “God is no respecter of persons,” meaning He does not favor one over another.
So, you can put your name there also, and speak it out loud.
_______, … but I want you to be …… “
Bottom line, whatever is eating away at your soul today, attempting to devour the fruit of the Spirit, the Lord loves you and has provided spiritual pesticides, so to speak.
If you will plant the incorruptible seed of the word of God in your heart, it will cover you, deliver you, protect you, guide you, heal you, redeem you, and grow you in the knowledge of His love for you.
“For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control” Gal. 5:22-23
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NKJV
(Caps mine.)
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
