Keys to the Kingdom
A lot of us can look back over the past year and say, “Last year was a long row to hoe.“ I was reflecting over the last several months and thought, “How did I do that?” And in my heart I heard, “You didn’t, I did.” In review, I realize I was carried by angels and radically loved and cared for by my heavenly Father. We must never forget all the goodness and blessings God pours out on us. “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me” (Psalm 103:2 NLT). I’m nobody special; God will do the same for any believer who asks and trusts Him to handle tough situations.
If you feel like throwing down the hoe and calling it quits, remember there are two nail-scarred hands on top of yours as you work through hardship row. Jesus is the One with all the strength you need when life hands you a bushel basket of trouble. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble“ (Psalm 46:1 NLT). Believers are enabled by God’s grace and power to plow through rocky soil. When you partner with the Master Gardner in those unknown fields, you’ll find comfort, peace, and joy in that sweet spot with Him. Being held safely during the storms that beat upon your life is a blessing that transcends human comprehension.
When you’ve had a difficulty and then experienced God’s comfort, you’re better equipped to help someone else through the same ordeal. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NLT).
One day I saw two slugs, side by side, inching their way up the siding of my house. They were slugging it out, slowly persevering their way to the top. They were determined not to stay down and wallow in the muddy earth. I liked their attitude: “I set my mind and keep it set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth“ (Colossians 3:2 AMP). This shell-less snail duo demonstrated patient endurance above and beyond the call of duty. Without legs, it was no easy feat to climb up the side of a house. I’d never been inspired by a couple of slugs before, but God used them to teach me a lesson. “That’s no hill for a climber,” is a good motto for believers.
If you’ve got a difficult task to do, or situation to deal with, you can set your mind to make it through to the end of the row. Jesus is not interested in seeing how much you can take, He’s interested in seeing how much you will let Him take. He is your burden bearer, Counselor, and Mighty God!
God will strengthen His children with hope, endurance, and patience when going through troubles. Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, made certain His followers understood they would never be alone during turbulent times. He said “…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age“ (Matthew 28:20 NLT).
The Key: By working side by side with God, you can hoe to the end of your row.