By investing our time and energy in the right things, Dorothea reminds us we will benefit later.
“Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root” (Matthew 13:5-6).
In California, water restrictions are a part of life. I never think much about the drought because we are always “water cautious.”
Everything changed the other day when I asked my husband to pull some lemons off one of our trees. Usually, he returns with large ones, but he came in with two tiny ones and said we needed to start buying them. I was shocked.
“They’re burning before they get ripe,” he explained.
Although I understood, I felt sad. We’ve lived in our home for years, and I never thought twice about asking for lemons whenever I wanted a cup of tea, lemon zest, or lemonade. They were available just a few feet from the door.
When I saw the scorched lemons, I thought about the Parable of the Sower (see Matthew 13:1-23). The heat destroyed them before they could mature and be used.
The word that caught my attention was “shallow.” I thought about the things occupying my time, but doing nothing to help me grow in my walk with God–and how pain is destroying these shallow places in my heart.
I’m no longer careless about seeking to know, understand, and do God’s will because I realize how precious time, energy, and stamina are.
My struggles cause me cling to God’s strength, and the Word helps me trust in spite of my circumstances. I admire Paul, Sarah, Job, and many others because they show me what a life, fully surrendered to God, looks like.
They desired to live God’s way no matter what. They teach me what it means to press forward–
* Letting go of control
* Seeking and holding onto God during trials
* Asking God to change my heart for His purpose
* Allowing God to produce a beautiful testimony in my life
Prayer: Father, sometimes we don’t understand the pain. We want to run away from the intense pressure. We need the courage to bear our physical trials so that our lives will always reflect Your love, grace, and mercy. Amen.
About the Author:
Dorothea Love lives in California with her family. She has lived with multiple chronic illness conditions and endured chronic pain for over 30 years. Each day, she relies on God’s grace and the prayers and support of family and friends to strengthen and encourage her. She loves to hear from her readers. Please visit her on Facebook or read some of her other works on her blog http://www.dorothealove.wordpress.com.
When you consider how you spend the time you have, are you developing deep soil to sow the seeds God gives you?
O
This is Kerrie Roberts singing “Maybe I’m Afraid.” It is a beautiful song and shares all the different things we can so easily be afraid of when it comes to God, to trusting Him. It has lyrics that are familiar to many of us, and I hope it reminds you that those deep-down fears you think only you must feel? You aren’t alone at all. Hugs. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 