Bugs!

This past week we found another surprise in our garden. Unlike the giant zucchini and yellow squash or the plentiful cucumbers of previous weeks, this find was not as pleasant. Going out to pick more of the fresh vegetables we have been enjoying for the last several weeks, I was surprised to find an abundance of bugs beneath the giant leaves. I was happy to see that they had not fed on the squash themselves but they were all over the plants. Only two days later the leaves of these plants were beginning to show spots. We attempted to treat the garden to rid it of these pests. But within a week’s time most all of our plants were dying.

Many of the plants still contain bright yellow blossoms that signify a promise of vegetables yet to come. But in this case, the blossoms would soon wither and die along with plants that have now been sapped of life. We were still able to go through and harvest the remaining squash and cucumbers. It seems that the bugs had totally left them alone. The stalks, leaves, and roots of plants had been the target of attack from these pests. We quickly cleaned out the old vegetation and as many of the bugs as we could find. Spraying the now empty ground, we are attempting to save the nearby tomato plants.

It seemed odd to me that the bugs had not touched the actual vegetables, but were only interested in the plant itself. The zucchini, yellow squash and cucumbers are the actual fruit of our labor. When we planted the garden, our anticipation was not for the roots, stems and leaves. Our eager expectation was for what these plants would produce. Oddly enough, the bugs’ only interest was in the plant itself. Yet by destroying the plant, they had effectively destroyed any further vegetables that could be produced.

As Christians we realize that the world is hungry for the fruit that God wishes to produce in our lives. When we display the fruit of the Holy Spirit we are a blessing to those around us. “But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [^[f]that can bring a charge].” As we develop these traits and serve with our whole hearts, both God and the world can see and enjoy the results.

Like the bugs who prey on our garden, we have an enemy who seeks to rob us of both life and fruit. “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP) This enemy attacks us to prevent any further development of fruit in our lives. He does not target the fruit itself, but rather the attack is directed at our hearts. If he can defeat us, the fruit will cease to flow from our lives.

The attack is focused on our character, our identity and our core beliefs. Temptation will be set before us to lead us off the true path in all three of these areas. Temptation to overt sin is a weapon used to derail us. We can fall into the ungodly behaviors and then be overcome by guilt concerning our actions. Arrows aimed at our identity are launched to cause us to doubt who we are in Christ. We will then be less likely to step out in the things God has called us to. The attack on what we believe about God’s character and promises go straight to the heart. If we can be made to lose sight of the love and care He has for us, we will wither and die inside.

Because we were not watching the garden daily, these bugs were given the opportunity to move in and do great damage. We were not as vigilant as we should have been. Scripture cautions us concerning vigilance in our lives. “Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 AMP) We must be prepared to prevent or minimize the damage that the enemy’s attack brings.

Scripture also contains promises we must remember when we are attacked. In times we fall prey to temptation and sin we must believe, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP) When we doubt our right standing with God, we can rely on this truth. ^“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP) And if we ever begin to feel God is no longer the loving, mighty father that He is, we must believe this verse. “Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].” (James 1:17 AMP)

Do not let the attacks of the enemy rob you of the ability to continue producing good fruit. Tend to your heart well and allow God to restore you so you can continue to bring the nourishment of God’s to all around you.  Remember Jesus said, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” (John 10:10 AMP)