Through the Thorns (And Past the Spiders)

This just in…

Life is not easy.

Ok, that statement is far from a breaking story. If you have been on earth for more than 6 minutes, you have probably lived this truth first hand.

We live in a fallen world that involves pain, suffering, unanswered questions, and some downright sorrowful moments.

But here’s the thing: Although we live in a messy, gross, sinful world, it is GOD’S world. And His world is what I like to call a Romans 8:28 world.

“God works all things for good for those who love him and are called according to His purpose.”

Praise. Jesus.

Loving God in this world doesn’t come easy– but the fruit from a relationship with him is very much worth it.

It is kind of like picking blackberries.

A couple of weeks ago, my darling in-laws came to visit for about a week. One day, Mama Lex and I took off on a wild, nap time adventure: picking blackberries. (Talk about living on the edge!)

We picked the ripe, deep purple berries with intensity. The silence was only broken by the occasional “Ouch!” or “Stupid thorns!”

Our buckets grew heavier. I scanned the bushes and my eyes locked on a delicious clump of berries within my reach, I stretched out my arm… Then stopped.

Blocking my path was a not-so-tiny arachnid. He was patiently perched, waiting for a fruit fly, gnat or other insect to get stuck in his web.

Although unafraid of spiders, this girl wasn’t about to stick my arm through the web. No thanks.

I managed to finagle my way around this eight-legged creature and quickly moved on to the next batch of blackberries.

As I did, I let my mind wander.

Following Jesus is a lot like picking blackberries…

We have to work our way through the thorns…

And get past those creepy spiders…

So we can experience as much of His fruit as possible… (In this case, 24 cups of blackberries)

And eventually enjoy the absolutely sweetness of heaven.

What thorns are you experiencing now? How about spiders? How can you focus on the fruit of a relationship with Christ to get you through? I welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below.

Don’t give up on gathering your harvest, dear friends. Know that the splinters, thorns and scratches are all completely worth it.

Press on, ever-reaching farther to follow Jesus. Because when we pursue a relationship with Him, the sweet promise of heaven awaits.

Trust Him to get you through the thorns and past the spiders… Then taste and see that He is oh-so-good.

Picking Jesus every time,