As Bubba the chocolate lab and I made our way across the pasture, the thick morning fog allowed only a faint outline of my destination. Home. Wonderful thoughts rushed through my mind. Driving back from morning rounds, I struggled to see our home. As God does, He drew near. I stopped the UTV and started praising Him for all the blessings in my life.
Looking at our house, I thought about how far God has brought my wife Diane and I in our walk with Him since moving to the Cross-Dubya. I pictured her snuggled in her warm bed, sleeping soundly. I thanked God for the special blessing and gift that is my life partner and very best friend. Bubba wiggled his way under my right arm as he likes to do when riding beside me on the bench seat. I patted his head and scratched his ears; and thanked God for bringing this silly boy into my life. I thanked Him for saving him from the serious snake bite last summer and asked his protection over my furry friend.
Having just completed calving season, I thanked God there were more gains than losses. I gave thanks for the health of all our livestock and asked His continued blessings with weather, forage, and my health to continue caring for all His wonderful creations. Even though we’ve had far more rain than we’ve needed, I thanked Him for the life-giving elements He brings.
Surrounded by dense fog, unable to see my barn or the front pastures where the other cattle were at, I had a thought. God, like this fog, I can’t see what tomorrow will bring. I know my future is eternity with you, but what other trials, heartbreaks, and heartaches must I yet face? In the moment, God brought this promise to mind. “We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!” (1 Corinthians 13:12, MSG)
I smiled, realizing that in a few hours the sun would be up, the fog cleared away, and the day transformed into a bright, warm, glorious testimony to God’s faithfulness. I would see clearly all God has blessed me with. A great sense of peaceful satisfaction enveloped me. My heart was no longer consumed with doubts or worry, but filled with the warmth of God’s love. Oh how I love those moments of intimate connection with Abba. God reminded me on this morning that He is faithful to always be with us, whatever may come in this life.
How do God's promises sustain you in your journey? Click To TweetWe cannot know when this current pandemic will end. We can’t know what the next trial will be. While I believe we are closer to Christ’s return than ever before, I can’t tell you it will occur before I cross the threshold from this life into eternity. What I know is that God is in control. My faith assures me that whatever tomorrow brings, I can overcome it with God. His promise of Isaiah 43:2 gives me the assurance I need to face an uncertain future.
As my donkeys brayed from the barn for me to bring their feed, I gave ole Bubba a squeeze and thanked God for His visit. While turning the key to restart the UTV, my heart whispered one last promise. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34, NKJV)
I pray God’s blessings for peace, courage, and joy as we face uncertain tomorrows with Him. If you don’t have that peace today, please reach out to a friend, family member, or church to ask their help in guiding you to Christ. If none of those are available, reach out to me. I’ll find a way to help God help you.
God’s blessings,
AMEN J.D.! He is still on the throne, nothing is too hard for Him and nothing is impossible with Him. He only has good plans for us and He can use anything and turn it for our good and His glory, including this. Thank you for the beautiful reminder!
Exactly Ms. Ann. We can’t know what tomorrow might bring, but our faith should allow us accept that whatever comes, God is still in control and He still cares for us. Thank you ma’am.
Thank you for your wonderful outlook on life. It always starts and ends with God. He shows us He is always with us and guiding us in all we do. God bless you always.
Aww shucks! Thanks Ms. Joyce. God’s blessings to you and your family also ma’am.
An excellent reminder, JD, that we cannot justify worrying about what we don’t know. God has promised us His blessings and that He will never give us more than we can handle. From the darkest night and the heaviest fog, the sun will rise and the fog will disappear.
Well said Mr. Monty. Thank you so much for joining our conversation.
Beautiful JD! Love to hear about the relationship others have with our wonderful Father!
Why thank you Ms. Melinda Eye Cooper. Am so pleased to see others are blessed to see God’s blessings in another life.
Amen. Troubled times will come and go. During the midst of troubles, I am comforted knowing I can lean into God. During times of joy, I am comforted knowing I can give thanks to Him.
Exactly Ms. Melissa! We have to live our lives as consistently as God leads them. Well said ma’am.
J.D., you and your writings are such a blessing with great insight. And I like all your animals’ names, like Bubba. 🙂
On the road or highway, I’ve driven in thick, dense fog that sent me into a near panic attack as I tightened my grip on the steering wheel and prayed for the Lord to help me and direct the path in front of me. So I related to your analogy of the Lord seeing what’s on up ahead in life and thankful He’s in control. Until then, we know what we are blessed with today.
Me too Ms. Karen. I’ve made a mess of trying to control my life. It’s much better when I let God be in control. 🙂 And Bubba says “Thank You! He kind of likes his name too. Especially when it’s called out to come get a treat.” 🙂
Love it, J.D.! I love your comparison of the fog to our understanding of our circumstances. God is good. He makes a way for us when we have no idea where we are going.
Absolutely Ms. Stephanie. We just have to trust and let our faith remind us that He is in control, not us.
A beautiful post, Mr. J.D.! Thank you.
Thank you Ms. Robin. Most kind ma’am. Thank you so much for joining our conversation.
Such a comfort, my friend. Thanks for taking me along on today’s chores. Faithful indeed.
Life is certainly a blessing out here on the Cross-Dubya Ms. Jeanne. Thank you ma’am.
Thank you for painting such wonderful picture here, JD — wife sleeping safely in the wee hours, Bubba beside you, and “home” with so many spiritual dimensions. Ahhh….nothing like a lovely metaphor to remind us of where we’re headed, no matter what happens to be going on around us.
Am so glad you enjoyed Ms. Gail. The concept of #FaithGreaterThanFear is so important for us to remember.
Thank you for your weekly reminders of how much God cares for us and gives us enough for today. I stopped today as yet another swarm of bees were settling in on the apple tree branch they seem to prefer and thought how fearfully and wonderfully God made every living creature. And to think He loves us just heaps blessings upon blessings to that thought!
It is a wonderful and exciting world God has created indeed Mr. Ben. So glad you enjoyed today’s post sir.
Your beautiful ranch-life posts paint vivid pictures of God’s work in our lives, J. D. At this point in our history, we can be consumed by fear unless we trust. Thank you.
Some certainly are Ms. Jeannie. He’s always ready to work in our lives isn’t He ma’am? We just have to let go and let Him. God’s blessings my friend.
What a wondrous God-moment, and to learn so much from the fog. His creation teaches so much, if only we’ll pay attention. Thanks for allowing us to learn with you the lesson He taught!
My pleasure Ms. Deborah. Am so very glad you enjoyed ma’am.
I love the lessons and encouragement God provides in moments like a foggy morning. Great message here!
Thank you Ms. Nancy. I too enjoy my quiet time with God each day around the ranch.
I love connecting with God in nature and your post blessed me. Thank you for sharing your experience with God in the fog!
So do I Ms. Josie. I think that’s been the best thing about moving to “God’s country” here along the Red River Valley. It’s getting to spend time in more peaceful, natural surroundings and able to spend more time each day with our Lord. Thank you for commenting ma’am.
Beautiful, J.D.! Thank you for blessing me with your hope-filled words. It’s difficult not to worry when we’re in the battle. I appreciate your insight, friend.
Blessings,
Tammy
Such an important point in your comment Ms. Tammy! “… when we’re in the battle.” I agree that we must battle through these trials in this life, but I pray earnestly you remember this my young friend. We will fight many battles, but we must fight them with the knowledge that because we are in Christ, the war has already been won! I’ve been a human warrior in the military, and I pray a good spiritual warrior in my journey in faith. What I am confident of is that in both instances, fear exists. Some run from a fearful situation. The strong overcome it. I pray you become a mighty spiritual hero my sweet friend. #FaithGreaterThanFear
O, how I needed to read this one this evening. Fog indeed. The Lord is faithful in all things.
He absolutely is Ms. Dottie. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post ma’am. Sometimes when we write, we don’t know who God might intend it for, as in this case. Other times, quite often in fact, what I write helps me to sort through the lessons He is teaching me. That’s okay too. 🙂 God’s blessings ma’am.
I love the scriptural tie-in, J.D., of a glass to fog. That is a word picture that will stay with me. Thank you.
Yes ma’am. As I was driving back and saw the house and out-buildings encased like that, the thought flooded in and I had to take out my phone and snap the photo. Lesson learned.
What a sweet assurance you share today, J.D. I love the word pictures and the reminder of how God uses nature and animals to show glimpses of His glory. I always leave your site feeling closer to the Lord than when I arrived. Tell your sweet wife hello for me!
I sure will Ms. Cathy; same to Mr. Brian “the builder.” Your kind words have made my morning ma’am. Knowing how the things I share from the lessons learned here can help others draw near to God inspires me my friend. THANK YOU!
Very encouraging! Just what I needed today.
I’m so glad Ms. Candyce. Thank you for sharing ma’am; and God’s blessings.
Fog seems so intimidating whether physically or spiritually. But what a wonderful invitation from God to trust Him. Thank you, J.D., for a meaningful visit with you on the ranch.
Ms. Kathy. It was my pleasure to bring you along with me across that pasture ma’am. Knowing that the fog always lifts brings to life many of His comforting promises doesn’t it?
This is such a moving message, J.D.
I’m at an age where I have the same thoughts regarding uncertainties about my own future. I love your MSG translation of that passage in 1 Corinthians.
And your sentiments toward Diane are precious. You two are such a beautiful couple and Guy and I are so blessed to have you both in our lives.
Thanks for the encouragement.
I feel every bet as blessed as your Mr. Guy does ma’am. I join you in not knowing what’s coming in my near-term tomorrows. In fact, I sometimes start to worry I am running out of them. Then I remember that God is with me in every one of them, for eternity. I find great peace and solace in that fact. 🙂 God’s blessings sweet friend.
Everywhere you look, God is there. What a comforting way to live. Hey, I pray for my dogs a lot, too! Bubba is fortunate to have you as his ranch dad.
He sure is isn’t He Ms. Karen? What a wonderful thought to hold dear ma’am. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
J.D. thanks for letting us share your special moment with the Lord. He knows just what we need.
My pleasure Ms. Debbie. I’m becoming convinced more with each passing day that God led Ms. Diane and I here for this reason; to teach us through His glorious natural world.
I happen to be one of those weird people who like fog. It’s mysterious. It veils the ordinary and makes things look other-worldly, amazing (or creepy), and delicious (or scary). It makes me want to explore possibilities, reach out to the unknown.
Like I said, I’m weird!
But this sweet devotion of yours makes me want to see that coming sunshine; both today, and that forever kind. Thank you!
Not strange or weird at all Ms. Jackie. I find great solitude in the fog. It’s quiet, peaceful, and encompassing. You can’t see much, but that only heightens our other senses doesn’t it? I’m so glad you enjoyed the post ma’am; and I pray it brought the kind of smile you have that reminds me of sunshine. God’s blessings sweet friend.
JD, I love your sensitivity to God, your thankful heart, and your wise willingness to stop what you’re in the midst of and spend time with Him when He draws near. And yes, what comfort to know that God is in control. Thank you for another heart warming account of an encounter with God on the Cross-Dubya.
Thank you so much for your kind words, prayers, and encouragement Ms. Rachael. The blessing is mine indeed sweet friend. I pray they all return to you and your family also ma’am.
I am so thankful for God’s loving, faithful care over our lives. He is trustworthy. We can rest in quiet confidence.
He absolutely is Ms. Lori. When all other things, and people, fail us, God never can! Isn’t that a most comforting thought? God’s blessings ma’am.
Another rich and insightful glimpse into God’s day-to-day presence in our lives, J.D. I love your connection to the land and the One who created it. May His promises continue to nourish all of us, even us urban dwellers who don’t have an ATV or dog to nuzzle with.
I’m blessed beyond words sometimes to be able to walk through this life if faith in this way. If you and Ms. Diane ever find yourself anywhere near the Red River, be sure to stop by for a meal. I’ll keep the UTV fueled and Bubba will always welcome you (just bring treats). 😀 Prayers you and your Ms. Diane are getting settled in and life is starting to return to normal for you.
You are a constant source of encouragement. I loved the whole picture of fog and its eventual clearing. Thank you.
As are you my friend. Thank you so much for always seeking the good Ms. Patty. God’s blessings ma’am.
A great reminder, J.D. We do have confidence that God is in control. My faith and hope in Him, no matter what tomorrow brings, reassures me that He will see me through.
Absolutely ma’am. While I’m the original “control freak” in this life, I’m happy to let God drive these days.