Few things are more humbling than being a farmer. One lapse in judgment can result in death. The permanency of that is sobering.
Yesterday morning, I was woken up to chaos in our chicken coop. I jumped up, put my robe on, and stumbled outside looking around as chickens were screaming and hiding. I scanned the skies but the predator was gone. Instead, there was an empty nesting box with a full clutch of eggs that should have hatched soon. Abby’s favorite hen was missing. Something had gotten her. I had forgotten to close the coop the night before. I knew better.
Spring is the easiest time to make mistakes like this. The weather is beautiful. The grass is green. There’s life everywhere. It almost feels heavenly when the waves of Gautier gnats are missing. Have you seen our farm right now? It is gorgeous.
Farm life teaches me. This is so much like life. When things are going well, your bank account is in the black, and you have everything you need and more, it’s easy to backslide. It’s easy to think that you have made it. I mean, this is almost heaven, right? You are self-made and self-sufficient. It feels good for a little while.
There is a real Enemy who waits for you to think you don’t need God anymore.
Pause and read that again. If what I said is true, that should kind of creep you out. He strikes when you are foolish and play with your pet sins, because they aren’t “that” bad. What about those thoughts you have been allowing to linger a little too long lately? They are poisoning your mind. We all have ways we falter whether it is public or private. Instead of confessing those things, we often hide them thinking that they aren’t “that” bad. If that was the end of the story, we’d be without hope.
“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came, so sin and death would no longer have the final word. He came, so we could have abundant life and so we could share that good news with those around us. Repent and press into Jesus today. He is the Only One who satisfies.
Jesus is eager to give you the life He created you for.
Don’t settle for second best. “You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalm 16:11