If you aren't familiar with the parable of the weeds and the wheat, check out Matthew 13! (Yesterday's Gospel lesson)
Basically, a man goes and plants a crop for his harvest. When he's sleeping, his enemy comes and plants weeds among the wheat.
The man says it's okay, when he realizes there are weeds among his wheat, because they will just be separated at harvest.
What's life like among the weeds?
I can't say we're the wheat and the nonbelievers are the weeds.
At least, I can't say that I've never been a weed.
I think there are times in my life when I've been caught up and growing among the weeds.
It's discouraging to think about it, but it's happened, and it probably will again, because I'm not perfect.
It's not a matter of trying how not to be a weed,
But figuring out how to live as wheat among the weeds- trying not to get all choked up.
I know the choking feeling all-too-well... believe me. When I suffered from severe panic attacks, I couldn't breathe, and I would be hyperventilating so hard that I began choking.
It's scary- and all you want is another breath, but the harder you try to breathe, the harder it gets.
It's such a terrifying experience, one that I hope I don't have to go through again any time soon.
But that's what happens when we let the weeds get to us. We get choked up, we cant breathe, and we get tangled up with them.
It's not easy to live as wheat when the weeds in your life are strangling you so hard.
What are the weeds in my life? (Normally, I know, I try to find blessings, but bear with me as I talk about the weeds for a moment).
I've got pressures and stresses of the world that are trying to turn me to find rest and relief in material things and means.
I've got 3 people who hate me, who are trying to strangle me. They have done so much damage to me. I was a healthy stalk of wheat, but they have made me feel like I don't even belong here on earth. It is so discouraging. It's like they're having a social exclusive party, eating chip and dip, laughing, having the time of their lives as they watch me suffer. They have made me feel like nothing, they have found my weak spots, took advantage of it, and got some sort of satisfaction out of lying to me for months and then pulling the rug out from me. It's choked me up, real bad, and I don't really know what to expect next. (any suggestions from readers on trying not to get choked up with this would be much appreciated! I pray every night they will stop their wicked ways)
I've got an illness I'm recovering from, and every time I have a problem, the weeds try to get me caught up in being angry with and blaming God.
And God knows we're struggling, trying to stay strong as wheat among the weeds.
And He says, "Try not to get all choked up."
Since this world is sinful, and there are problems in the world, there will be weeds among the wheat. Always.
Until harvest time. When God finally calls us home. He'll bundle all the wheat up.
I just think that's such an awesome visual!
In the meantime, rely on The Rock, and try not to get all choked up. Sometimes it's hard, but God always provides, and God's promises always prevail over all of our problems.
Blessings:
-I had a free day to catch up from all of last week's hectic-ness. I think I'm finally no longer worn out from VBS.
-I got a lot of other things accomplished today that needed to be done!
-I sold some things on Ebay!
-We had book club tonight- a great time, as usual... I really want to start one up back at school. I think I will!
-I got some things straightened out with financial aid at school
Reading about the choking reminded me of Godspell, more specifically the parable of the sower who went to sew some seed and how the seed that fell into the thorns/weeds was choked. In Godspell, Jesus says that the weeds/thorns represent worries, basically. The seed became overwhelmed with worries of this world that it allowed itself to be sucked in and choked so that it produced no fruit.
ReplyDeleteBut like you said with the people in your life, weeds/thorns can be people or situations that cause stress, too.
It reminds me of "Hope in God," a song we sing at church, based on Psalm 42:
When my enemies rise up against me, I will remember to stand and say, "Why so downcast, oh my soul? Put your hope in God!"
I can't remember the whole song, but there's also a part that goes, "Don't let my enemies triumph over me."
Also, about wicked people? Doesn't it say in the Psalms that the wicked will not prosper? Or Proverbs, maybe? I just read Psalm 34 a few days ago, and verses 17, 18 & 22 stick out...
Also also, sending hugs and prayers. :)
Nicely explained, both of you :) And Dylan, I think you're doing a good job at not getting all choked up - you've come through a lot with unbelievable strength & faith :)
ReplyDeleteDylan! One thing that you need to remember (which I know it's hard) is that you're the BIGGER and BETTER person! You are going to be so blessed this next year at school that they're not even going to be able to impact you the way that Mrs. Ripke and them kiddos will! While they may try again to "attack" you, you'll just be so blessed that it's not going to work. I've heard and seen how excited you get when you talk about student teaching and doing what you love...don't let three people rip that joy and love from you! I believe in you! I believe that you are so much stronger now and the childish behavior that use to choke you, will no longer have that affect. You are a strong child of God. He has your back and that is all you need! : )
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