“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God...........”
Matthew 6:33
My earliest memory of growing up on a farm are the chickens. Oh, how I hated those things! They were always nipping at my heels as I helped my mother gather eggs. Keep in mind this was not a quaint little chicken farm for the sake of having a few eggs. We had about two thousand at any given time, and I did NOT like them! Now, don’t go rolling your eyes as if I were a rebellious child who didn’t want to help. I was only three when my father began his farming adventure! The rebellious farmer in me came later, but that’s another story, for another time.
The chickens however, were only part of my father’s dream. With barely two pennies to rub together, my parents successfully purchased a bit of ground where my dad began crop farming, while at the same time, always looking ahead for another opportunity. Cue in the pigs — I didn’t like them either! Especially, as the older me would be told of the early morning wake up call to help load and take them to market. Other adventures of a pet sheep along with riding a pig just because dad said I could, still make me smile.
Looking back through my now, adult eyes, I see things so differently and hopefully clearer. I see my father as a young man full of energy and hope for the future, trying his best to succeed and provide for his family. I can vividly recall the look of concern and lack of sleep that came when the ground was too dry or when it rained too much while he waited for the crops to produce. The weight he bore was much heavier than a child needed to realize. And because he loved me, he did his best to protect me from those burdens.
Seeds of doubt and discouragement were loads daddy often carried. So-called ‘loved ones’ were quick to water and fertilize these seeds in his young heart. No one knew of the hurt he bore except for my momma and his Lord. Our Lord always knows!
Pondering these feelings of inadequacy and fear, one day he fell upon a simple verse that changed the course of his life forever. “But seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (NKJV). Speaking to his young heart, God said, “You put me first, and I’ll take care of you!.” And may I add, He continues to do so!
Dear reader, this simple truth is a promise to every one who is in Christ! Whether we live our lives on a public platform or a day-to-day nine-to-five job, God says, “Put me first, and I’ll take care of you!”
Please hear my heart — this is not a health/wealth gospel! Trials come, and life will hurt. (John 16:33) But oh, what a ride it can be if we keep our eyes on the Savior! Sort of reminds me of the time that dad did put me on that pig. It started to run and I was scared! But my father was right there, running alongside, waiting to catch me if I fell. Our Heavenly Father does the same.
I am Redeemed,
Cheri