He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 1:3)
The ravages of winter are over. Spring thaw is in the air. Planting time won’t be far off on the small Midwest farm (present-day Country Dairy).
Henry holds the plow, forming straight, narrow furrows as he walks back and forth across the fields behind workhorses, Maude and Daze. He’s reminded of Jesus Christ’s words:
“… for the way is small and narrow that leads to life, and few there be who find it.” (Matthew 7:13,14)
Scripture verses Henry kept in his heart, while he worked the land, helped him discover who God is, fostered an everlasting friendship with his Creator, and helped him unearth God’s plan for his life. The farm became Henry’s university as he pursued knowledge and understanding of God. He learned to see life from God’s perspective - wisdom no college or university course can teach.
Scripture verses became prayers; as he prayed, he came to know his Lord. And knowing Him, he came to love Him; and in loving Him, he came to trust Him:
“Trust in the Lord with all your might and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5,6)
Ultimately, prayer is a declaration of dependence upon God and is often triggered by adversity. Making a living off the land made Henry vulnerable and dependent. A windstorm decimated Henry’s cherry crop more than once, and a cow eating an ornery weed could result in dumping an entire day’s milk.
“In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will." (Romans 8:26-27)
Henry’s prayers brought him into the very bosom of his Lord and forged an intimate spiritual bond.
Scripture verses helped him deal with adversity:
“Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls, I will answer. I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:14.15)
Henry burst into praise with King David as he surveyed the sun as it would rise in the morning, move across the sky, and plunge into the horizon at day’s end: “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.” (Psalm 8:1)
At harvest time, while he hoisted the sheaves of wheat onto the wagon and hauled them to the barn, he thanked God with the psalmist: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
When no rain had fallen, and the parched soil cried out for water, Henry turned to the Apostle Peter for comfort: “Cast all your care on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter: 5:7)
When his faith failed, he echoed the pleas of the father in Mark 9:24: “I believe; help thou my unbelief.”
When my sister died tragically, my parents’ grief knew no bounds. Henry found comfort in the sentiments of John: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:23)
He comforted my mother with the words of Paul: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. ‘…Where, O death, is your sting?’” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Finally, as he sensed death was near, Henry uttered one last verse: “They {believers} stand before the throne of God; Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. For the Lamb will be their shepherd; He will lead them to the springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17)
Henry wasn’t keen on traveling. He was happiest being home on the farm; however, he wouldn’t have missed this trip for the world. His first-class ticket came with full amenities and personalized attention.
Note: God had a special assignment for Henry. After basic training, he was assigned to the Angel Corps. Stay tuned for “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.”
