July 5, 2022

It’s late to be planting a garden, and this Florida heat is oppressive, but I thought I would grow a few things to see what happens. The worst-case scenario is that little or nothing pops up; however, I will have a plot prepared for the fall if I keep the weeds under control. As I was clearing the rest of the ground, I noticed that certain weeds would come out quickly, then others had deep roots that I struggled to pull up. It was just after 7 am; it was a little cooler, so I thought the bugs would leave me alone; I was wrong! As I tried to pull up those weeds with the long roots, gnats began aggravating me, almost to the point I was about to give up. I kept going, swatting away the gnats and digging deep to get the long-rooted weeds out. Knowing that lessons come from struggles, I prayed and told the Lord I understood what he was teaching me. Shortly after that, the bugs left me alone, and I finished clearing the garden. Here’s the lesson: when you are trying to come clean and stop sinning, the enemy will send a battalion of warriors to go after you, hoping you will give up, so he can keep you oppressed. Don’t stop! Keep moving forward; it may not be easy, but it will be worth every effort you put into it. The rewards for obedience to God are more significant than any agreements you might have with the devil.

but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Isaiah 59:2

Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. Isaiah 59:15