Planting Season
While shopping at a garden center the other day a woman I was standing beside struck up a conversation. She said, “Every year I start my tomato plants inside from seed. But I just don’t know how to transition them to the outdoors.” I told her that all plants need to be “hardened off” before they are planted outside.
“Hardening off” is a process that takes place over a period of 7-10 days. Begin on a mild day after the last frost date in your area, (your local extension service can provide you with that date.) Be sure to pay close attention to the evening temperatures. Although 40 degrees is above freezing it is still too cold for plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and basil. Choose a location somewhat sheltered from wind, direct sun, or heavy rain. Leave the seedlings out for only 2-4 hours for the first three to four days. Gradually increase the amount of time they are left out every day. By the end of the week they will be ready to plant.
I have had some people tell me that they don’t have time to do this process. My answer to them is, “I understand, but in that case, I would buy plants from the garden center.”
“Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you, do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you, yes, yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Have you ever heard the phrase, “When it rains it pours”? I have found that to be very true in my Christian walk. The enemy is a dirty player. He loves to throw multiple trials our way. Like a snow ball rolling down a mountain he will pile one problem on top of another. I know what is like to feel like I did not want to get up in the morning. I know how it feels driving to work with my head in a shroud of despair. It was at that time I had a decision to make. I could give up, throw in the towel and allow the devil to keep piling more manure on me. But, I knew if I did that I would die spiritually. You see, going to church every Sunday is not enough. It is what you get out of church that gives the strength for the week. It should be a spiritual filling station. A place where we “top off the tank” of the well of Living Water that is in us when we confess Jesus Christ as Lord. But Jesus is a gentleman. He will not force His way into anyone’s life. It is our choice.
When I came across that verse in Isaiah I remembered that regardless of how I felt I was not alone. The trials and hard times were something the Lord could turn around and use to strengthen me. I chose to believe God’s Word. Often times with tears streaming down my face I would say out loud, “Lord YOU SAID, you would never leave me or forsake me. YOU SAID, that I would not endure more than I could bare. YOU SAID that there is a season for everything and that every season ends.”
I don’t know what you may be facing today, my friends. But I do know that God is faithful. He already knows how this chapter will end. He doesn’t have favorite children. He is a loving Father that will meet you where you are. It may be a process, but you can get through the season you are in. He will strengthen you and plant you into good, rich soil. The summer time will begin, and you shall be, “hardened off” and ready to grow.