Seed to Sauce

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20

The journey began back in the month of March with a packet of heirloom seeds and a whole lot of determination. With great excitement I planted 25 little seeds into 25 little seedling tray openings.

Last year's harvest was such a disappointment. I had my heart set on a better one this year. I watered and tenderly cared for the little seedlings until they were ready for their first indoor transplant into bigger containers. I rehoused the little shoots and waited until the weather was right to move them outside.

Finally, I set the 12 little plants into their forever homes and gave the rest away. They started out great and I was thrilled they had survived so well thus far.

Unfortunately things started to change after a few short weeks outside. The leaves began to curl and they looked like they were not getting enough water, despite my best effort to do so. My heart sank as I researched and tried everything I could to help them improve.

I assumed that they were done for. I wanted to rip them all out and head over to our local nursery to buy new ones. My husband lovingly and sweetly encouraged me, as he often does..."Just wait, Honey. Let them go for awhile and see what happens." I wrestled with the idea. I was aiming for a big harvest this year and time was of the essence. But, I relinquished and let them go.

The plants continued to look terrible. Yet, I watered, fed them, and prayed. "Lord, please bless these little plants and bring a great harvest." At this point, my faith in these little plants was literally as small as a mustard seed.

In time, small green tomatoes began to form and I marveled that these plants were actually producing fruit! They kept adding more and more little green gems. I was thrilled. Finally, a hint of color started to appear on them and the harvest began.

Now here we are in the month of August and I have picked well over 200 of the finest tomatoes that I have ever grown! I have made 14 quarts of pasta sauce, 6 quarts and 4 pints of fermented salsa, 5 quarts of fermented tomato sauce and multiple batches of fresh pico de gala. I have used many for fresh salads, plus given dozens away. I have totally lost count and they are still producing. There is more to come!

All of this from 12 plants that looked hopeless most of the growing season. It doesn't even make sense. Only God and by His hand is this possible.

Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!"

-Matthew 7:9-11

How about you, my friend? Are you working furiously for something? Putting in so much effort, yet all you can see are curled leaves and feel the pang of hopelessness? Do you question, "Is it all for nothing?"

Has the Lord pressed a desire into your heart, yet you just can't see where it leads? You work and you work, but where is the fruit?

I can relate. Sometimes that is how I feel about this blog. I hear His call, I obey His promptings and I write the words that He gives. Yet, I don't see where all this goes or the fruit on the vine. Only He does and I am good with that. He is building my faith day by day on this journey and hopefully the words I write do the same for those of you who take the time to read them.

Can I be that voice of encouragement for you today that my husband was to me months ago when all looked bleak? Don't give up! Keep at it. Keep asking and keep seeking. Whatever it is that He stirs in you to do, keep at it. Push back the doubt, the fear and the hopelessness and press on. Your harvest could be just up ahead!

Pray with me...

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the harvest! Sometimes we get to see it and other times we do not. Help us to trust You either way. Keep our gaze fixed on You and increase our desire to walk in Your will and obey Your calling. Forgive our lack of faith at times. You are so faithful! Draw near to us whether we are in a season of harvest or a season of drought. Let it all be for Your glory and may Your Kingdom come soon. In Jesus Name, Amen