Oranges and Tomatoes

Agricultural Science was a subject I loved in secondary school. It was a girls’ only school and naturally, more girls chose ‘Food and nutrition’ over Agricultural Science which was left for the ‘tom- boys’. Consequently, the ‘Agric. Class’ was usually a smaller class but it was a lot of fun. We had individual farm portions where we could make ridges and plant. We spent lot of time on the fields and in the laboratory; Field work was really exciting...

In planting and growing crops I learnt that all crops were peculiar and unique, having their own seasons. Consequently, that you plant oranges and tomatoes at the same time does not mean they’ll yield fruit at the same time. Oranges will fare better in warm regions than in cold regions. But for tomatoes, any region will be just fine. Though planted at the same time, tomatoes will germinate earlier than oranges. Oranges grow into trees but tomatoes don’t. Although the growing processes and stages of the two plants differ, they both turn out to be juicy, tasty and nutritious in the end! Accordingly, just like fruits and vegetables or plants, we all are unique. Perhaps, I’m an orange and you? A tomato! My seasons are not your seasons and yours not mine. We function better in varying soil types and climates. And even though we are twins, born on the same day, the time for our sprouting differs.

Quit the complaining and comparing dear friend, for where you are now is a stage in your growing process. Because you are so very unique, when God packages even your drilling process it will be customized just for you. He won’t let you to be tempted beyond what you can handle; In fact, it’s because you can handle it that you’re facing it. (1 Cor. 10:13) If another were to be in your shoes, he may have been a dead man! But there you are, crushed down but not destroyed! You’ve been designed to rise above that particular challenge and trust me, you sure will! Hey! I’m not trying to talk you happy; I just got pulled out of a ditch myself. Moreover, God’s word gives me guarantee! Truly friend, you may have cried so much in the secret, But He’s wiping off the tears you’ve cried and He is causing you to laugh out loud! Scriptures say, weeping may endure the night but joy cometh in the morning! Of a truth! Your joy cometh!

I know it’s been crazily frustrating and people are talking and laughing at you. But please, hang on! Don’t give up and don’t give in! Its turning around for your good. God has a time, perfect timing just for you! He’s the potter and you’re the clay. (Isaiah 64:8). He’s mixing, He’s turning and He’s patting, just to bring out a perfect design.

For me, it was all so scary, disheartening and frustrating. Amidst the dark clouds, I question God, His existence, His love, His words and staying away from Him seems all so reasonable. But as cynical and as ambivalent as I can be, I KNOW that I NEED to always abide in Him, (John 15:7-11) love Him, obey Him, serve Him and just stick to Him no matter what. I’ve found that without Him, it’s only worse; I’m lost, empty and sad...When I’m mad at Him, I try to run away from him, i stop praying and fellowshipping, I turn my back and binge on food, movies, music, books or anything at all but it still doesn’t get better.

Whether I like it or not, He’s the pillar that holds my life! It’s in Him I live; I move and have my being. He’s my master, saviour and friend and I’d love Him to be yours too. Honestly, you need a relationship with God to pull through. You need to experience Jesus to overcome and if like me, you’ve turned your back or you are running, you have to stop running and return to Him...Yes! Stop there and look up! He’s waiting for you with a big smile and outstretched arms. Go on dearie, curl into his embrace and you’ll do just fine. (James 4:8)

So tomato (or orange), relax and surrender to the farmer, for your season of harvest is here!

Together in His farm,

thesire!