So many breakdowns!
It seems like every time I turn around there is something broken, something not working, something in need of repair.
It can get downright discouraging.
My farmer and coffee buddy have the skills to fix almost all of these repairs.
They’re amazing.
It’s fascinating to sit and watch them.
They talk back and forth.
An idea.
A thought.
An angle.
Always coming to a conclusion to solve the problem.
I am in awe of this ability.
It is almost holy.
The ability to figure out how things work.
How was it built?
Often their limitations rest not in solving the problem, but in finding parts.
It is so hard to find parts to fix anything these days.
The parts are so expensive it’s often cheaper to buy a new one.
Our four wheeler is in need of repair, the Valtra, the baler.
We have a tractor stuck in a field that needs to be pulled out and repaired.
We do not have one working lawn mower.
List goes on.
Breakdowns everywhere.
Besides the repairs we have fencing, firewood and clipping of pastures.
There’s the everyday, twice a day milking and chores that need to be accomplished.
Manure needs to be spread on the recently hayed fields.
That’s another issue due to the weather.
Our first cut hay is so late.
It’s already gone by, so feed value is so low.
We finally have a great stretch of weather and the baler is in need of huge repairs.
There never seems to be enough help or time to get everything done.
I suppose that is the farming way.
It is what makes us persevere in this life style.
While the breakdowns are enough to make me want to breakdown, there is a drive and thrill to conquer these tasks.
There is a sense of deep satisfaction to overcome these obstacles.
Life is so much this way.
The tough times come and we want to run away.
We try to make it better.
Avoid the pain.
Yet, in these moments of hardship and ache, God is able to do His greatest work.
It is in these moments of true surrender that He meets our deepest need.
Our need isn’t for the hardship to go away; our need is for Him.
God meets us in the struggle.
He’s promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
When we look at pain and hardships in light of God’s plan, things change.
Our struggles become part of who we are, not things to avoid or run from.
God is perfecting us.
Refiner’s fire.
I can not see the whole picture.
As my farmer and coffee buddy dig into breakdowns,
they find the source and complete the repairs, so too we must dig for the root of our pain and struggles.
Allow God to work His repairs in our hearts.
His way will always be the best way.
His peace will always surpass any earthly ache or pain.
We won’t finish with all the repairs needed or even the tasks that need to be completed.
We will persevere with hope and a sense of peace knowing God is working His plan through each of these situations.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
