Life often spins us out of control, making it tough to hang on like a cowboy riding a bull in a rodeo. We all know the feeling because anyone reading this lived through Covid.
Covid brought much pain, fear, and confusion. We didn’t know which way was up, but we hung on.
Now, other things spin us out of control.
- relationship issues
- loss of loved ones
- health issues
- financial woes
- burdens we carry for our adult children
- overwhelm and stress
- instability in our world
Wouldn’t you like the ability to hang on when things are spinning out of control and the pain attempts to overtake? Would you like to improve your balance so when you’re twisted or get kicked in the gut, you can be left standing?
Well, I learned a lot about this from a gardening experience a few years back. It encourages me when I feel battered and broken from life’s problems and disappointments, and it’s hard to hang on.
Battered Tomato Plants
Spring means planting flowers and vegetables. Tomatoes and peppers are essential in our household.
When it was time to shop, he only found larger tomatoes so he had to return and search for his precious grape tomatoes that can be popped in your mouth when picking.
Discouraged to find none at either store, he turned to leave. Rounding the corner exiting the gardening section, his eyes spotted some wilted and brown plants thrown on the floor in the corner.
Curious, he stopped to investigate. They seemed lifeless, but he bent over to take a closer look. In the pile, he discovered a weak and wilted grape tomato plant lying in the heap.
I’m not sure if he felt sorry for it or was desperate for his grape tomatoes, but for some reason, he decided to purchase it, even though the cashier offered to charge nothing.
Hanging On
Not possessing a green thumb like his mother, my husband had enough common sense to know as battered as these little guys were, if there was any chance of survival, he would need to plant them immediately.
In his hands, the plant’s brokenness became evident. Tiny branches began snapping and falling off before his very eyes.
Being a positive person, he chose to stick every branch in the ground and see what would happen instead of giving up. Maybe he was willing to try anything.
Either way, it paid off.
Out of all the plants in our garden that summer, those plants brought the most bountiful harvest. A minimum of five broken and battered twigs matured into fruit-producing plants.
Not all survived, but the ones who did took advantage of the redemption offered to them.
Battered and broken, they hung on. In order to do so, certain things had to happen.
These plants had to land in good soil. They accepted nourishment in the form of rain and sunshine. They had the proper amount to grow deep roots. They worked hard to provide energy to bud and produce fruit, instead of stopping at a few leafy branches. Without being rooted, they could have been blown away. They had endured a few thunderstorms themselves that spring and summer.
As Christians, we can learn from this experience. Remember these:
1. We are responsible for seeking nourishment from church, grounded Christian brethren, and God’s Word. Prayer and praise are essential also.
2. Watch where we’re planted. If surrounded by non-Christians, bad talk, sinners, and drama, seek the Lord for help. Don’t let your mind or heart become too crowded with things of this world – turn them over to Jesus.
3. Remember our job is to hear from God, then obey. Don’t compare yourself to others or your roots will dry up.
4. Focus on what God has called you to do. Tomato plants can’t produce cucumbers so quit trying to imitate others. God will equip you. Don’t run from your calling either and follow your own desires. Bountiful fruit requires surrendering to your calling.
5. Share your harvest with others. Reproduce good seed and plant so others might grow. You have no idea what will produce – that is up to the person, and God.
If you are battered and broken, and find it too difficult to hang on, there are 3 things you can do:
- Listen to this comforting song called “Just Be Held” by Casting Crowns. It has comforted me many times. Hear it here.
- Grab your handy copy of my E-book, “5 Keys to Surviving Life’s Storms” with personal stories of mine, practical tips and examples, verses, and prayers. Buy it here for extra strength, guidance, and comfort.
- Allow me to guide you through your storm. Schedule a free consultation here, or through my contact form. All things are possible, but sometimes extra support is necessary.
As always, thanks for taking time to stop in and for sharing this post with your friends. Prayers and blessings in your storms. You will make it!
© 2024, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Love it. I won’t try to produce cucumbers. Thanks for the perfect illustration.
Last year, I bought an almost dead cherry tomato plant for 75 cents. With nurturing, it produced lovely tomatoes for the rest of the season. A good reminder of how God uses us even when we feel dormant.
This was beautiful and encouraging!