Preparing for the Future

by Sheri Schofield

A field of golden sunflowers captured my attention last summer, their cheerful blooms brightening my day. Weeks passed. Nightly rains kept the flowers fresh and the hills green. Autumn days came, and the sunflowers lost their golden blooms, but their stems and leaves remained green from all the moisture.

One day I saw a group of field workers examining the seeds that remained in the sunflower heads. It must be time to harvest, I thought. But the workers left the field and never returned. With the arrival of winter, the sunflowers remained standing in the field, brown and deserted, for too much rain had rotted them. They are of no use, not even for seeds to replenish the field in the spring.

Like those sunflowers, there are some who seem to sail through life with few difficulties. But because their lives are tame, their hearts do not understand the pain of loss. They don’t know what to say to comfort those who grieve.

Is it possible that, like the sunflowers, we can receive too many blessings?  Can too little suffering make us less fit to serve the King?

Some people question the goodness of God when tragedy or pain strikes. They cry out, “If God is so good, why did he let this happen to me?” But those who are buffeted by trials and struggles in life gain strength and usefulness to God. They can endure hardship, grief, and loss. They can comfort those who weep, for they have also suffered. They become wise. Those who suffer and grow in the Lord’s strength are being prepared for battle. They will stand strong in the day of testing. Suffering and pain are his way of preparing us to endure on the day of battle.

In the military, our troops are put through rigorous training and testing to prepare for battle. Imagine what would happen to them if they walked onto the battlefield with no training? With weapons they’d never used? They would be wiped out quickly!

We live on a battlefield. The forces of evil are rising up around us like never before. The hot sun of suffering is spreading around the globe. Angry, crazed rioters and destroyers are crying out, “Kill the Jews!” Others are turning their wrath on Christians. Our ancient foe, the devil, seeks to destroy God’s people. Whether we like it or not, whether we are prepared or not, the battle is approaching us now.

Paul wrote to Timothy, For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine “… But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near” (2 Timothy 4:3, 5 NIV).

Shields up, dear Christian. Put on the armor of God—the  belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (See Ephesians 6:10-17 NIV).

Stand facing the test, unafraid and strong in the Lord’s power, full of his love and truth. And remember that God’s grace is not given to us until we need it. His grace will help us endure and stand strong in the days ahead. Thank God for the small tests along the way which prepare us for the coming battle. They make us powerful soldiers.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day —and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Ephesians 4:7, 8, NIV

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Sheri Schofield, award-winning author and Bible teacher, has added a new way to share faith in Jesus. Her ministry, Faithwind 4 Kids, can be followed on her blog at her website, http://www.sherischofield.com. Questions welcomed!

FREE CHILDREN’S Author/Children’s Bible teacher, Sheri Schofield, offers a free series of video lessons about Jesus and His salvation—for children ages 4 and up. It is available at her website www.sherischofield.com In this video series, Walk-The-Talk Island, Sheri presents her award-winning book The Prince and the Plan, in 24 video lessons for your children, grandchildren and any others with whom you wish to share. In addition, Campfire provides devotions for children.

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