One of the things Paul Gautschi (who the documentary, Back to Eden, was centered around) told us while visiting his garden was how God is SO appealing. And one of the best ways to get to know God is through spending time in the garden and seeing how good and fruitful He is. That there is NO. EVIL. IN. HIM. There are so many references to agriculture in the bible, but things take on a whole new meaning when you start actually growing things. (Plus, when the boys are napping, I have some time to myself for reflection).
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
When times get hard, we get sick, lose a job, lose a loved one, or doors shut – that is our opportunity to show others God’s goodness reflected in us. We are made in his image. Our created purpose is to be image bearers of God. There’s a reason why God spoke all of creation into existence, but got his hands dirty when creating humans.
What do you reflect when hardships come your way? Do you reflect grace, or darkness?
The sole desire of evil is to prove that God is not worthy of our worship. Satan doesn’t care that your marriage is falling apart, that you lost your home, you lost your crops, your car broke down, your pet passed away.
It’s in that moment when we face these things that we can choose to reflect grace or we can blame God (or others or ourselves).
“God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone”
James 1:13
“God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all”
John 1:1-5
“God is not the author of confusion”
1 Corinthians 14:33
God is light. He’s not trying to manipulate you into serving Him. He’s not punishing you for past sins. He won’t turn you away because someone else finds you lacking. He sees you for who you are, and loves you unfailingly.