For the last three years, I have been converting a small five acre field used for oats into a Bermuda grass pasture. And while many people use sprigs for hybrid grass, I chose to use plant seeds.
The first year, I plowed the soil, planted the seed, packed them in, and waited for the rains. They didn’t come. The field looked absolutely pathetic. So I decided I would try again.
The second year, I plowed the soil, planted the seeds, packed them in, and waited for the rains. This time, the rains came. It was wonderful. I had a field full of Bermuda grass. But, I also had a field filled with cockleburs, which don’t go well with horses’ tails.
Because I had just planted the seeds, I was unable to spray for weeds until last September. This meant the cockleburs had all summer to grow and drop their seeds. I was not a happy camper.
This year, early in the spring, I sprayed a herbicide on the field that killed all the weeds, but didn’t injure the grass. Once I was done, I shut the gate so the cows and horses couldn’t graze the field in order to let the grass grow tall and develop seeds for next year. I was so proud of myself. I had finished my task.
Every so often I would drive past the field and pat myself on the back for doing such a good job. There was not a weed in sight. I had won – and then I saw one.
That was the moment I realized I will probably be dealing with weeds for the rest of my life. But the good news is that each year, as I continue my war on weeds, there will be less and less to deal with. They will become easier to manage, as time goes on.
Weeds and temptations have a lot in common. They both keep coming.
The good news is that if we don’t give into the weeds or temptations of life, over time, they will be much easier to deal with. But it is up to us to make the conscious decision to keep resisting.
Peter said, “Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day. Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:6-9a)
Today, you will face temptation. Don’t give in. Resist and ask God for help. While it may be a mighty struggle at first, over time, it will become much easier.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I am not strong enough to resist temptation on my own. Please give me the strength and resolve to turn away from those things that pull me away from you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God will enable you to resist temptation, if you ask. It’s a choice each of us makes.
Weeds and temptations are everywhere. But more importantly, God is everywhere. And in the end, God wins.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 