Daily Devotional for June 1, 2022

Last week Shannon decided we needed trellises for the pumpkin vines to grow on.
 
After doing all the research, she chose to make them with large, heavy cattle panels.  
 
My job was to drive the truck to Tractor Supply, where they loaded cattle panels onto our trailer.
 
Knowing this was a two-man job and I am useless, I intended to hire one of the teenagers in the church to help Shannon set up four separate trellises.  I warned/instructed/told/ordered her not to do anything until help arrived because I didn’t want her to get hurt. 
 
The next morning, while I was working at the church, Shannon texted pictures of the completely erected trellises.  It was clear she hadn’t listened to a word I said.
 
As I showed Melissa the pictures, I said, “I don’t know how Shannon did this.  It’s a two-man job.”
 
Melissa said, “It may be a two-man job but it’s a one-woman job.”  
 
That’s the moment I decided it was time to implement random drug testing for our staff, starting with Melissa.
 
This got me thinking.
 
The reason I did not want Shannon to tackle this task on her on was because I did not want her to get hurt. Bending large, heavy, stiff cattle panels without help, is a recipe for disaster.
 
In life, each of us deals with those who doubt our abilities, capabilities, talents, or desire to succeed.  Just like Shannon didn’t listen to me, you should not listen to them. Even Jesus dealt with this. 
 
When Jesus told the crowd to move the stone away from the entrance to Lazarus’ tomb, they objected.  No one had power to bring someone back from the dead.  Then, Lazarus walked out of the tomb.  (John 11:38-45)
 
When the disciples were out in a boat in the middle of a dark night, they saw a terrifying ghost walking on top of the water.  They knew it could not have been Jesus because no one walked on water.  Then Jesus said, “Take heart, it is I; Do not be afraid.”  (Matthew 14:22-27)
 
When a criminal hung on a cross next to Jesus, he knew he was guilty and beyond forgiveness.  The world had spoken.  Then Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”  (Luke 23:43)
While we may be tempted to doubt each other, we should never doubt God.
 
God forgives.  God heals.  God will bring you home.
 
Prayer:  Dear God, in my moments of doubt, remind me of your love, power, and grace.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
The wise person will never doubt God.
 
I have also learned I should never doubt Shannon.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins