by Pastor Bob Lawrenz
In the Finger Lakes Wine Country, the grape growers put their trust in the methodology of growing grapes to tap into the nutrients of the soil. Bountiful crops are the desire of anyone that grows crops. But this past week's news reminded me that all involved in farming are not doing it because of a love for God, or for His Earth. They might not even believe in God!
Vintners in the area are now facing a diminished harvest from their vines this year because of the persistent sub-freezing temperatures we experienced during the winter months. Their pocketbooks may not be as full this year because of freeze damage to their vines. Consequently, they have appealed to the government to bail them out and offset the damages to their grapes.
Our hearts go out to anyone who relies on the weather for their sustenance and food. But have not these same vintners found in the past that a low grape yield during harvest means higher prices for their bottled wine products in the market place? The rarity of a grape inflates the price of its wine. This is the self-correcting nature of a market fueled by supply and demand.
Maybe I'm being cold here, but it seems to me that little Peter is crying "Wolf" far too early in the growing season. The Lord is good, above all things. If the Lord tells the Earth to hold back a little, it must be with good reason. (I tend to think He wants to reveal His power to all!)
Projecting our worst fears on a situation will always have us crying out in advance. But if Jesus is in our hearts, then He must also be in our circumstances. His desire is to be an integral part of our lives, and for us to grow, that means pruning us for more growth and more fruit to come from our lives.
For those in agriculture who depend on the weather for everything, we should pray that they know the Divine One who makes the weather. Without God's favor, we can do nothing.
"Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail? Which (God) has reserved against the time of trouble..." Job 38:22, 23.
