Abundant Crops Are Messy

Abundant Crops Are Messy

St. Josemaria Escriva said, “Jesus did not say you would not be troubled, you would not be tempted, you would not be distressed, but he did say you would not be overcome.”

The year 2014 was one of great abundance in my work, yet with that abundance came times when I felt overcome. I wasn’t, but it sure did feel that way. One of the challenges I faced that year was the fact that demands on my time had increased. I knew how to manage the church to see our needs met, and that took work. But when being part of a significant harvest started to feel really messy to me, I began to rethink how I was using my time, as abundance created its own set of opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities.

Proverbs 14:4 says, “Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.” This word tells me that it gets messy when you are successful. It tells me it can flat out stink sometimes. But I have got to be willing to deal with the ox if I want the harvest. The truth is, the mess is what helps produce the harvest.

So here is my prayer: “Thank you, Father, for the way you bring in your harvest. Your Word tells me it is worth the extra work.” I hope in your life you are willing to work through the mess and the overwhelming circumstances to see the blessing and abundance on the other side.

Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

Proverbs 14:4