Sometimes the complexity of farming can be a bit overwhelming for me. Every day there are so many decisions to make; what to work on, how to care for plants and animals, what to do to fix a predator problem, etc. Sometimes I wish that I just had someone to tell me what to do! Then I could just focus on accomplishing things without always having to second guess whether I should be doing something else.
But I do have someone to give me direction throughout my day! My Saviour, Jesus Christ, says simply, “Follow Me.” He doesn’t say, “Try to use what you know to figure out how to serve Me today.” Instead, He says, “Trust and obey.” God has promised to give me wisdom if I ask. The problem is I don’t always ask. Most of the time, if I am really honest it is clear what God want me to do. My real problem is not a lack of knowledge of what I should be doing, but a struggle with wanting to do what I want to do, rather than what I know I should do.
But thanks be to God! Christ has conquered my sin and I am no longer a slave to it. I now have the freedom to say “No!” to sin and “Yes!” to Christ. I don’t have to figure everything out. I just have to trust and obey. Walking with Christ has to do with taking one step at a time, keeping my eyes fixed on Him.
So as I begin my day, I offer it up to God and commit to walk in simple obedience as He shows me His will one step at a time. And to start off with I can begin to do what I know is His will: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Have you viewed the “Back to Eden” film? Very much in keeping with a biblical worldview of approaching gardening.
I’m just discovering your blog and books. I like what I’ve read so far.
Have you ever read ‘Wild at Heart’ by John Eldredge? It’s one of my favorite Christian books, I think you’d enjoy it if you haven’t already read it.
-Scott
I want to encourage you in your work brother. Recently, I was reading 1 Corinthians 3:6 and I reflected on how Paul may have planted and Apollos may have watered but truly God is the only one who can cause an increase. We must recognize our limitations in this chain of events so that we can know when to rely on God. In my weakness he is strong. I believe this is how he wants us to be.
I pray you continue on in the Lord!
Great reminder Noah!