Remembering Who Is in Control—Day 15 of a Town Girl Touched by the Farming Life

Frank truly worked day after day for his family's daily bread.

            "Give us today our daily bread."  Matthew 6:11

            When I try to visualize this verse, I imagine a rural setting or farm scene.  It seems that families that work the ground and directly depend on what it produces are more closely touched by the truth that everything good we receive is a gift from God.  Yet, God does not give us any guarantees. 

            Farmers especially understand this, and they also realize that, despite their best efforts, only God can provide daily for their needs.  No one can make a seed sprout.  People can only provide the most optimal setting for that seed:  enriched soil, appropriate moisture, vital protection against dangers, such as disease and infestation, etc.  Some people would want to argue that they can force a seed (or bulb) to sprout and will site experiences with tulip bulbs in pots in the middle of winter.  However, that is only someone providing the right situation to allow the tulip to come to life, not truly someone making it come to life.  If this were possible, then I believe farming today would be very different.

            Unfortunately, the farther that members of the human race get away from the farm the less they believe they need to rely on God.  Self-centered, these city dwellers often tend to believe that it is by their own power and might or even intelligence that they get what they need (or want).  In truth, pride plagues people of both towns and country.  Then situations, such as Hurricane Sandy, come along and remind even the most proud that in reality people are basically powerless.  Then they remember who is truly responsible for providing them with their "daily bread."  It is too bad that it often takes a disaster or tragedy touching a family before mankind remembers who is truly in control.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

**Come back later to see the photo.   I cannot get it to work right now.