“For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.” Hebrews 6:7-8
Have you ever wondered why there are times when hardships seem to hit you over and over, with no break in between, just one after the other? Aren’t there times in our lives when we feel like difficulties will never end? Never get better? When it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel?
Think about this – what happens when ground is tilled for a garden or a crop? It is cut into and turned, over and over again. There is no letting up until the ground is aerated, stone- and weed-free, and supple enough for vegetation to push it’s way up into the sunlight.
When that vegetation has pushed up and out, it grows large and ripens and becomes useful for us to eat and thrive on. It becomes our food, our sustenance.
Did you realize that you are meant to be sustenance for others? This verse has struck me more than once, because sometimes we become so bogged down in “What is God trying to teach ME,” that we forget that the next part of that verse says the vegetation is “useful to THOSE FOR WHOSE SAKE it is also tilled.”
You are being tilled for the usefulness of others. Your trials and hardships are meant to speak to others. They are meant to turn you into a person who will reach out and change others’ lives – someone who will be strength, healing, encouragement for the brokenhearted, and freedom for those imprisoned. YOUR TRIALS ARE NOT JUST FOR YOU.
What a different, refreshing, encouraging perspective, because don’t we all want to make a positive difference in the life of someone else? This kind of perspective on your own suffering will bring a more productive response to whatever it is you are going through. I’ve heard it said that “God never wastes a hurt.” How true that is.
So instead of becoming angry, asking “why me,” and growing thorns and thistles of bitterness and resentment, respond in humility, ready to learn and grow, with a heart grateful that you are considered worthy to suffer for the sake of others.
Journey to Beautiful 