Devotionals

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I was working in my garden on one of those very hot, humid days recently. It was so hot, and after a couple of hours, I thought I’d be unable to finish all that I needed to do. The sun was beating down and the sweat was running into my eyes, burning and obscuring my vision. Usually while I work I hum some favorite hymns and choruses. This day I uttered just a few “breath” prayers;

“It’s so hot, Lord!”
“Please, Lord!”
“Help me to finish, Lord!”

I stood up from my work thinking I would just have to stop, when a most beautiful, simple thing happened!

A cloud rolled across the sun blocking its burning rays, and a gentle breeze came across the garden, cooling my whole body. Another breath prayer;

“Oh, thank you Lord, for the cloud and the breeze!”

Refreshed, I went back to work. Each time the heat would begin to overcome me, the cloud and the breeze returned and I was able to finish what I needed to do that day. I came to expect this blessing!

This simple experience made me reflect on a much more profound truth: our Father cares for us; we are indeed precious in His sight.

In the heat of life when it seems that we just cannot go on, He comforts and refreshes us, strengthening us to go on with the work. The heat we all endure has varying intensities and durations, but the purpose is the same: that our faith may increase, and that we may

“be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3-4)

My dear life-long friend just recently lost her husband after a long, debilitating illness. The heat she is enduring at this time is extremely intense, a far cry from my gardening experience. But she has had a long and faithful walk with the Lord, and her testimony is that she can trust Him in even this.

I was reminded of several things in my garden that day. I can trust my Father in the heat. I know that refreshing will come, and I must be thankful when it does. My spiritual brothers and sisters also suffer the heat, and the comfort I have received must serve to help me comfort them. These are precious truths for all of us.

Thank You, Lord, for the cloud and the breeze!

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