Pathfinders Devotional: The Vineyard
This devotional was originally given to the Pathfinders Men's Ministry Council on 09/09/2009
Proverbs 24:30-34
30 One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; 31 They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. 32 I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: 33 "A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy-do you know what comes next? 34 Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent house guest!"
When I read this I was struggling with a slowing economy and builders that owed me large amounts of money. I was trying to understand how to let God have my problems and what my part was in dealing with the daily difficulties that life brings. At first, the verses did not make sense to me and actually made me mad, but through this passage God gave me a visual of what He wants of me.
A vineyard is overgrown with weeds, and is in desperate need of water. There is a man on his hands and knees weeding, pruning and repairing the vineyard. The job is hot and dirty. The days are long, tiresome and the rewards are few and far between. At times the man slips and falls or cuts himself on a hidden wire or splintered fence post. Often the man complains about the job he has been given. As he looks back at his labors it seems nothing is changing as far as he can see, and he asks the questions, "Am I really serving my purpose? Am I really doing something important? Am I really making a difference?"
Behind the man, is another Man moving ever so carefully through the vineyard. He is trimming, adding water as He sees the need, and carefully applying love and care to each plant. Behind this second Man, the vineyard is blooming and taking shape. The leaves have turned deep green and the sweet smell of grapes is taking over the smells in the air.
Using the picture painted by Proverbs 24:30-34, God showed me that He wants me to do everything I can to the best of my abilities. He will take my efforts, and turn it into what He wants it to be.
I found great peace in this picture that God gave me. Because of this scripture, I am learning to let go of what I cannot control and to do my very best work with what I can control. God is in control, and will make it benefit His kingdom.
Questions
- What are you struggling to control?
- What keeps you from allowing God to have control of the situation?
Proverbs 19:21
21 We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
