From Famine to Harvest

I have always had a struggle with my ups and downs with God. There are times when I think and feel like I am walking side by side with the God and other times when I think and feel like He has turned His back on me. Like when I pray asking Him to help me, guide me, give me wisdom and discernment and I don't see an answer.

I was reminded recently that there are spiritual droughts and spiritual harvests from a lesson in agriculture. Everyone knows that a tree needs water and sunlight to survive, but what happens when one of those runs out? In particular if there is a drought and a tree is lacking for water.

In those times of drought during a famine, tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. They are forced to go deeper to find their life source. As is the case for us; spiritually speaking.

When we are going through "it" - you know those times where the rain is blowing in our face, the whole world is on our case, when everyone seems to be absent to help (even God), when we are losing loved ones, when our addictions take hold of us and we can't seem to shake them, when our health is deteriorating - these are the times when we are in a spiritual famine.

I was encouraged this week to press in to God and what I mean is don't give up. Keep praying, keep reading, stand on His promises that He will deliver you, never leave you, that no weapon that forms against you will prosper, that He is always there. For ever down there is an up. For every fall there is a rise. For every Winter season, follows Spring. Press in for in those times of famine and perseverance God is creating the jewel that you are.

That is why we can have true joy in the midst of a famine and with all confidence say, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Let your spiritual roots grow deep and wait on the fruit that is to come of your famine.