The Vegetables That May or May Not Be!

This year, Kim decided to plant some vegetables and herbs in large pots on our deck.  Our son Jonathan had begun the process by planting the seeds in starter pots in his apartment and then bringing them to us as seedlings. After they grew a little larger, Kim transplanted them to the larger pots. At first we weren’t sure if they were going to take—and, some did not.  Others of them, however, took off growing like crazy!

Kim has been diligent in watering them and doing what she can for them.  But, the future for these vegetables and herbs is yet uncertain.  For one, it seems that there is an animal that likes the leaves of the cucumber plants and has stripped them practically bear (while leaving the zucchini plants alone!).  We are as well concerned that while we are away on vacation, the plants may not receive enough water, especially if another heat wave comes.  Finally, even if the plants do continue to grow well, we are still not sure whether or not they will produce healthy “fruit”—i.e. vegetables; a lot of things can yet happen once the fruit itself begins to grow. In some ways we are holding our breath to see what will happen.  I consider them, the vegetables that may or may not be! 

Here's hoping! 

We all know there are lots of things in life that are uncertain.  We can often do our best to plant, work, invest, build and yet not have the outcome we desired. Whether we talk about health, careers, finances, or relationships, we know we don’t always get the return for our investment that we were expecting.  We live in an uncertain world that gives few guarantees.  Things may or may not turn out the way we hoped.

In the midst of such a world, our temptation is to cry out, as did the writer of Ecclesiastes, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless!”  (Ecclesiastes 1:2 – NIV)  And, many do.  Yet, I want to remind us that there is no need for such despair.  Although life may be uncertain, God is not.  He is constant. He is faithful. And, he has provided us with great assurances throughout his Word—e.g. he will always be with us; he is working for our good; he is able to help us and strengthen us in all things; he is preparing a wonderful future for us; and the list goes on. 

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”  (Isaiah 40:8 – NIV) 

Yes, our vegetables may or may not be. But God and his word are sure and constant! Let’s put our trust in him!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris