Chuck Bridges Blog

My attempts at raising some vegetables this year have not worked out like I had hoped. I planted my corn back in May; it all came up and was beautiful. But, for some reason it all grew to approximately 10 inches and just started dying. I watered, kept the soil broken up, weeded, and just couldn’t figure out why my corn was not growing. Frustrated, I pulled it all up, plowed the ground again and fretted over not seeing the bronze tassles atop the healthy green plants with delicious “ears” on each plant. To be honest my confidence was a little shaken so I decided to plant again, even though it was so late in the season. I really just wanted to see if I could get corn to grow.

I am happy to report that I just finished eating some of the tastiest Silver Queen corn that I have ever had. It tasted wonderful. I certainly can’t take the credit because I didn’t do much different than the first time (except added some soil conditioner). I watered, weeded, fertilized, broke up the soil and watched the plants grow. We had some dry spells, insects, plenty of crab grass, and other outward symptoms that the corn plants would not produce a healthy harvest. But, just one taste makes all the labor, trials and uncertainty well worth it.

In case you’re wondering, I do have a point. We are studying on the topic of Spiritual Warfare at our church. This focus heightens our awareness that the many trials and struggles we face on a daily basis may actually be more than “meets the eye.” Obviously we all have undesireable circumstances that come at various times in our lives. But, as Followers of Jesus Christ, we know that powerful forces in opposition of our Leader cause a great deal of this havoc in our lives. As we try to process the various issues that require our responses, it helps us salvage our sanity and continue our “Purposeful Journey” when we know these nuances are not happening by chance.

What’s the Point of all this stuff about Corn and Spiritual Warfare? Just like all the struggles of getting that corn into a pot on our stove then from a spoon into my mouth, there is a “Tasty” reward at the end of our “Spiritual” struggles IF was refuse to Compromise our Convictions. We are instructed to “PUT ON the FULL Armor of God so that we can stand our ground” (i.e. hold our position) when the attacks of the Enemy come at us. (cf. Ephesians 6:10-20) Trust me, it is not EASY to “keep on keeping on” for Jesus when there is so much opposition in this world. But, for those who refuse to lose, something “sweet” is being prepared for us. I am holding on to the exciting Truth that God is going to allow me to experience a little bit of His Heaven before I leave this earth. It makes all the struggles, uncertainties, frustrations, and inner hurts worth it all!

To my fellow Followers I shout from seasons of trials, DON’T QUIT! Put On the Armor God has prepared for you and get ready for the “spoils of war!” Stay tuned and we will continue deciphering this thing called Spiritual Warfare!