08/13/2023
Restoration
In the dark hours of night, the devourer gnaws and chews, consuming the lush growth of the tomato plant. By morning much of the top foliage has been reduced to bare stems. By the time I discover it, even some of the large, unripened fruit is eaten and ruined. So much damage has been inflicted it seems unrecoverable and I am disappointed. Such is the devastation left by an ugly tomato horn worm.
I quickly pluck that large, disgusting worm (with gloved hand) and squish it under my foot. So gross!
The enemy of our heart is also a devourer. Satan comes to bring defeat, discouragement, and devastation. He comes to steal our joy, kill our hope, and destroy our faith. In the path of his destruction we are left stripped, feeling as if we have been reduced and diminished to bare stems.
But here’s the beautiful thing about the ravaging of that nasty horn worm. What this ugly creature meant for chaos and destruction actually pruned the plant to create more lavish growth! Sure, it took a lot of time and attention—regular watering and nourishment, abundant sunlight, and plenty more waiting during the long process of regrowth. But when the other plants had given up their flowers and fruit, this plant was thriving with new growth. The desolation left from the destruction of the top growth had caused the roots to grow even deeper and this plant was still producing tomatoes late into the fall!
What your enemy means for evil and destruction in your life—all the messiness and heartache—God will always use it for good, because He is good. When difficult times come, when devastation is left in the wake of painful circumstances, when discouragement sets in and your finances dry up, when you are ready to quit, this is the very time you need to press in and remain with Him.
Maybe the pruning of your heart is exactly where God has you to produce even more in the future. Maybe right now you need more nourishment—the water of His Word, the light of His presence, the ability to wait well, and hope to expect that He is working even when you don’t see it.
He is the God of redemption, restoration, and resurrection and He is working in your “pruning” and your waiting. Are you nourishing your roots and waiting well?
