Scripture for Today:  II Thessalonians 1: 3b-4  “…your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.  Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”

When I first saw this picture I wondered why on earth someone would intentionally poke holes in a lawn.  Obviously, I am no gardener or I would know all about aerating soil. What looks like destroying a patch of lawn is actually good for its health! Aerating soil allows oxygen to reach plant roots. Water and nutrients can be absorbed more easily. Without aerating the soil, toxins increase, plant disease develops and plant growth slows down. This process looks brutal but not only is it good for plants, it encourages roots to grow even deeper.

Today’s verse describes the spiritual health of the Thessalonian church. Paul is proud of their growing faith and love for one another. Their faith has been growing as a result of persecutions and trials. Like aerating soil, the process is hard, but the results can be seen in a growing and healthy faith. Because of the hard times, their roots have grown deeper and they are able to endure.

The seed of God’s Word has fallen on good soil (Matt. 13:23) and I am thankful. But for my faith to continue to grow and be healthy, God is allowing hard times to come and test my faith. He is aerating the soil to keep me growing. It certainly does not feel good. And some of these trials sure seem to last a very long time. But hopefully, the beautiful result will be roots that grow deeper into Him and His Word. I do not ever want my faith to stop growing.

Thank you Lord, that You know what You are doing in my life.  Help me to trust You.