Afflictions and Usefulness: The Link
“. . . but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused” Exodus 23: 11.
This passage of scripture is talking about the sabbath laws of ancient Israel. But I want to talk about a figurative application to this literal passage. “Unplowed and unused”. If the ground isn’t plowed, it can’t be used.
This applies to people too.
Unless the soil, which represents our heart (Luke 8: 15), is soft, the seed, which represents the word of God (Luke 8: 11), cannot be sown.
Softened by the Rain of the Spirit
If the ground is softened regularly by rain, which is a picture of the Holy Spirit, it may not need to be plowed. But if the ground is so hard that the rain just runs off and doesn’t even soak in, then it definitely needs to be plowed in order to be used.
We should rejoice when we are plowed by painful trials. Because this process, even though difficult and painful, will enable us to be used for the purpose God intends for us.
Worst Plowing Better than Remaining Hard
Even the most painful, difficult plowing experience is much better than remaining hard and fallow and useless. It’s better to go through hell and accomplish our purpose than to not suffer and not fulfill our call and destiny.
Hard, fallow, useless ground that never fulfills its purpose is a sad thing to behold. On the other hand, ground that is bearing abundant crops and is fruitful is fulfilling its purpose.
Afflictions Make Us Useful
It may have had to be plowed every year to keep it productive. But come harvest time, that land is a glorious sight indeed. It is fulfilling its destiny.
To read another post related to Afflictions and Usefulness: The Link, see How to be Humble: Just Ask Moses.