Weeds…those ubiquitous plants that we contend with all year round. They show up in our yards, crowd out the carefully planted fruit of our gardens, and find their way through cracks in our driveways! People spend considerable amounts of money and energy trying to get rid of those pesky weeds. Weeds seem to be able to thrive when other plants struggle because of drought or poor conditions. Sometimes I wonder if all the effort is worth it. I know that our quest to eradicate the persistent plants is never ending!
Despite our aggravation concerning weeds, I believe they have something to teach us about ourselves… and our faith!
Consider these thoughts about weeds…and us:
Weeds are tough. They survive even the harshest conditions. People of faith should be able to endure the difficult experiences of life. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ( John 16:33) Through God’s power, we can practice endurance despite the circumstances!
Weeds can be fruitful. One example is the blackberry bush. It often grows uncultivated by the side of a road, or an edge of a field. Many a fruit jar has held its delicious goodness! Of course, God call each of us to be spiritually fruitful…likening us to grapevines! I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Weeds can be beautiful. Many weeds produce exquisite flowers! My mother allows several Evening Primrose plants to grow beside her back porch…and they are beautiful, and uninvited! Wouldn’t it be amazing to let the beauty of the Lord shine through us even in the most challenging circumstances?! “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17
I hope the next time you reach for your Roundup weed killer, you will remember that faith allows us to grow like weeds!
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