Lessons From The Field

Lessons From The Field

Elizabeth Espinoza

April 2010

It took every ounce of my being to wake up on that Saturday morning.  Knowing that the day would start with what in my opinion is back-breaking labor, I stayed in bed as long as I possibly could.  Upon arriving at the church (late of course) we were told what the plan was and pretty much got to work pulling weeds.

Some areas were easy, simply grab and pull.  Other areas were nearly impossible!  No matter how much tugging and pulling you did, the stubborn roots just wouldn't give.  That's when the support would come in with various tools needed to loosen up the soil, and therefore provide the ability to pull up the ugly roots.  This same process continued in various areas of the property, some easy, some not as much. 

During this time, I found that the tough weeds, the ones with those deep roots, seemed to be playing a wicked game of tug-of-war.  They really did not want to give up, but neither would we.  At this time I wondered if that's how it feels to God when we refuse to let something go.  Whether it be sin, addictions, afflictions, and any other “thing” we are holding on to, God wants us to just let it go; let it go and let Him handle it for us.  The problem with that?  We must be willing to give it up.  As Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” 

Father God, help us, your children, to freely give up things that grow deep ugly roots and therefore block the blessings You are so ready to provide.  Help us remember how much You love us and how You intended YOUR
creation to live.  Forgive us for continuing to take things back when we don't see Your work with our human eyes.  Help us open our eyes of faith.  In Jesus' name, Amen.