The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
It’s been one year since my combine was totaled in an accident right before harvest started. I knew God had a plan as soon I got the phone call from my Dad that day. Looking back His hand was truly on every detail. I ended up with another combine at the perfect time, great yields, perfect moisture and God gave me peace and joy through all of the hard times. There was definitely still some challenging circumstances.
There has been many trials and tribulations this past year, but God has been there every step of the way. Even though most farmers were done with harvest by the time I got started and then finished up around the new year, after a lot of snow and rain. God came through and everything worked out in the end. If you’re in a situation that looks impossible or disastrous right now, trust God, surrender it all to Him and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Here’s the message I wrote from a year ago talking about what happened, as a reminder of God’s love and faithfulness.
Yesterday morning I started my day out with a post about having a positive mindset when breakdowns occur or when the unexpected happens. Shortly after that I left the farm to head to a doctor’s appointment in Springfield.
I was almost halfway there when my dad called. I could tell in his voice that something had happened and my heart began to race. He told me that there was an accident at the farm and it wasn’t good. I had a mechanic coming out later on to start going through equipment.
My dad was raising the feeder house on the combine when the unload auger button got bumped and swung out into my windmill in the barn lot. The windmill came crashing down and the auger was ruined. There were also power lines down.
My dad was pretty shaken up, but I told him that everything would be alright and that it was no big deal. No one was hurt and equipment can be replaced. God is still good even when things don’t go as planned or disaster strikes. He can use it all for the good. It’s amazing how God works sometimes and we may never know what the reason is behind it.
With the declining grain markets, high inputs, bad weather and economy, I’m sure many people have money or finances on their mind a lot these days. I know for myself I think about it often and try to pinch pennies where I can. In doing so, it’s easy to take our eyes off Jesus, but He’s normally quick to remind me.
I think part of that is, we allow our farm operations, equipment, land, money, cell phones, families and many other things to become idols. Anything that comes before God is an idol. Ask yourself how you would react if you lost a certain thing. If that’s a lot of weight to bear, more than likely it’s become an idol without you even realizing it.
Exodus 20:3 says “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Having idols not only hurts us, but those around us. They make us get distracted and can cause us to worry and forget about what’s most important in this life.
Yesterday’s little mishap reminded me that I need to keep my focus on the problem solver instead of my problems. Not allowing anything to become idols in my life. Also, to stay positive and joyful in every circumstance. This can only be done with help from the Holy Spirit. Remember to always stay positive and keep your focus on God!