Time to clear out the weeds...

This first photo was taken on May 23rd after two hours of weeding and refreshing of the soil.

Three days later...a vision of new life and growth.

On Monday afternoon as I drove up my parent's drive I noticed all the weeds and grass lying in the yard bordering Mom's flower garden encompassing her buggy barn. Once out of the van I paused to savor the time and love put into pulling each of those weeds from the garden so the beautiful flowers could flourish. The weeds were so tall and entangling; the flowers were being choked out and struggling to survive. My father noticed and prioritized his tasks for the day in order to save the flowers. Weeds removed, sunlight and moisture added and in three days…beauty and life restored.

God does the same thing with us. As we live our lives we can get so caught up in the trials of life and our sin that we start to have the life choked out of us. God doesn’t want to see his children in pain and suffering. He will try to pull the weeds from our lives, to save us. God might use the gentle words of another, a song, a photograph, or my dad’s green thumb. Regardless of the venue in which God touches your heart to remove the pain, sin and trial…we need to remember it is all done out of love. He loves us enough…

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

He sent His One and Only Son to show how much He loves us, He let Him suffer and die for these same sins and Jesus rose again to free us from our sins and pain. All we have to do is acknowledge what God has done, repent of our sins and start living for Him, not ourselves and the world. If we pull out the weeds, the Son will bring healing and growth.

Today’s challenge: Take a look at your life. What burdens, trials, sins or aspects of your life are weighing you down? Is there an area in your life you know needs to be fixed? Is there a battle you are hoping to win and conquer? Give it all to Jesus and ask Him to carry it for you. God is forever faithful, we only need to humble ourselves and give it over to Him. What weight can you remove and give to God today?

Psalm 111:9 - “He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.”

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