According to the weather reports, it is supposed to rain all day and then into tomorrow. This is good because we desperately need the rain and it gives me a chance to see if all my efforts helped with a huge problem.
I have one tank that never runs dry. It is fed by a spring. Usually, this would be a good thing but because it is almost always full, it overflows on a regular basis.
The engineers that originally designed the tank provided for a large spillway on one side to take care of any overflow. But through the years, the overflowing water has eroded the spillway to the point that it looks a whole lot like the Grand Canyon. I had to do something before that tank failed.
This past summer, O’Gene, a retired soil and water conservation engineer, evaluated the tank. He explained I needed to greatly expand the width of the spillway or the erosion would continue. He sketched out exactly what I needed to do.
At first, I had limited success using a tractor and box blade. But seeing it was going to take forever, I pulled out the big guns and used a compact track loader. It was a soil digging beast.
After a few days of making endless trips back and forth expanding the spillway, strengthening the tank dam, and planting grass, I was finally finished. Now, months later, I will see if the new and improved spillway works.
I hope it works, but if it doesn’t, as soon as the soil dries out, I will be out there again with the compact track loader repairing and improving on what I have already done. Giving up is not an option because I cannot let that tank fail. It’s a work in progress. The same can be said for us.
God continually works in our lives to bring us closer to the light of love and grace. But there are times when we run off track, go our own way, and forsake the One who has saved us.
The good news is that even though we fail, God refuses to give up on us. God has chosen to stick it out.
Are there times when God is disappointed? You bet.
Are there times when God shakes his head in disbelief at the ridiculous, self-serving decisions we make? I am certain.
Are there times when God has had enough and walks away? Never.
Tomorrow, when the rains finally leave, look into the sky for a rainbow. That’s God’s promise to stick with us through thick and thin. God never lies.
The very last thing Jesus does in the Gospel of Matthew is make a promise. Jesus said, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)
God is always with you and refuses to give up. That’s how much God loves you.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I fail you time and time again. Thank you for not giving up on me. Help my life reflect your love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Just like I am hoping all my effort pays off and the spillway works the way it was designed, God is hoping all his efforts with us pay off and that we work the way we were designed. We decide.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 