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​Look to the Ant to Find Peace in the Storm

2/25/2020

30 Comments

 
​Look to the Ant to Know #Peace When the Storms Come: A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When asked for his qualifications, he said,
This is the last in our Tuesday morning series where we have been looking at seven different characters from God's Word.

​We've looked at ​Abraham: God’s Powerful Promise to a Patriarch, ​​Joseph: He Obeyed Quickly & Completely, Moses: Lifting the Hands of God’s Man, Moses & Aaron: The Leaders Punished, David: An Acceptable Offering​​, and Peter: Why Do You Doubt?

T
oday, we are looking at a character that's not human. We're looking at the ant. There's lots to be learned from this tiny creature. 

​These characters are also featured in (Part Three: Days 21-27 Men of God Character Study) our Come and Gather: Family Time With God 27-day devotional. Or, what we lovingly refer to as Gather.
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Today's theme is diligence and our text is Proverbs 6:6-11
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” (6:6).
A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows." This puzzled the farmer, but he took a liking to the young man and hired him. 
A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure.
  • They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened.
  • A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace.
  • The farm implements had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements.
  • The tractor had been moved into the garage.
  • The barn had been properly secured.
All was well! Even the animals were calm. It was then that the farmer grasped the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows." Because the farmhand had performed his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. Consequently, when the wind blew, he had no fear. He was able to sleep in peace.

The wisdom of Solomon is shared with his son as he encourages him to examine the ways of one of the smallest insects of creation. Even though the ant has no direction or supervision he still manages to do what must be done to be ready when the harvest is past and the cold winds of winter begin to blow. ​We are reminded that it is from a “
little sleep, a little slumber” (Proverbs 6:10) that poverty comes. To have the character of the ant and the industriousness of that tiny creature is to know peace when the storms come.
What can we do today, to develop within ourselves the character and industriousness of the ant, so that we know peace when the storms come?
Come and Gather: Family Time With God published with permission
​Pastor Jeremy Sweatt, Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, Connecticut


Come and Gather: Family Time with God

Introducing Come and Gather: Family Time with God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Gather is a lovely, 35-page, daily devotional centered around families enjoying time together with God and each other.
Come and Gather: Family Time With God
his 27-day devotional is divided into 3 parts: ​Part One: Days 1-5, is written specifically with husbands and wives in mind. In this part of Gather, husbands and wives will explore 5 Signs of a Functional Family.

5 Signs of a Functional Family includes:
  1. An Attitude of Service
  2. Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife
  3. Husbands Who Are Loving Leaders
  4. Parents Who Teach and Train
  5. Children Who Honor and Obey​

​Part Two: Days 6-20, is written with the whole family in mind. It's A Walk Through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation we will discuss subjects like God's mercy and protection, being humble, dealing with difficulties, having a teachable spirit, dependence on God, and much more.

Part Three: Days 21-27, is a Men of God Character Study. We'll learn character traits that every Christian should strive to demonstrate in their life straight from characters in God's Word. 

At the end of Gather, you'll find a place for your family to record specific prayer requests. I love being specific with my prayer request and seeing God answer in specific ways. Recording the answers, as well as the requests, is a great way to help your children see God working in your lives.
grab your copy of come and gather over in our little Etsy shop

​Everyday Faithfulness:

The Beauty of Ordinary Perseverance in a Demanding World
Everyday Faithfulness
Buy now on Amazon
What does the Christian life look like when life is unpredictable, hard, or just plain ordinary? We live in an instant-gratification world, where results are quickly measured and words like discipline and perseverance evoke thoughts of legalism or asceticism. But Everyday Faithfulness explores what daily perseverance in Christ looks like during various seasons when spiritual growth seems especially difficult. Working through the unique challenges that come with seasons of waiting, caretaking, suffering, worry, spiritual dryness, and more, this book delves into practical ways to build habits into everyday life that will aid in spiritual growth throughout a lifetime. Each chapter closes with a real-life example of a woman whose life of regular, everyday faithfulness will encourage readers to remain steadfast in theirs.​

Please Share
30 Comments
April link
2/25/2020 09:17:59 am

Wow, love the story of the farm-hand! As my pastor would say "That'll preach!!" it's definitely an area that I can always, always work on improving. Being diligent, I feel goes right along with being consistent! And especially in my parenting, I often fall short! Thank you for these reminders in truth!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 09:26:21 am

Yes, April, as much as I detest ants (LOL) we have A LOT to learn from them! Being diligent and consistent in parenting is for sure a difficult but productive trait. I failed so many times at this. God was faithful to pick up where I left off as a parent.

Reply
Janis
2/25/2020 09:40:17 am

I love the story of the young farmhand. What a motivator! :)

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 09:49:52 am

Yes, it is, Janis. I try to keep that story tucked away in the back of my mind, especially on days when I'm tired and don't feel like doing my best. Preparation is key and the key preparation in the Christian's life is time with God in His Word and in prayer. I keep reminding myself of this. I need these reminders!

Reply
Barbara Harper link
2/25/2020 09:54:31 am

I love the story of the farmhand, too. To me, this was a sign that my kids were maturing: when they showed initiative took care of things without being told. We all still have a long way to go, but this is a character quality we want to pursue.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 06:05:45 pm

It's nice when the kiddos get that! :)

Reply
Michele Morin link
2/25/2020 09:54:47 am

Preparation for the work God has for us so often happens in the small, unseen moments. We show up in his presence, not knowing what to expect, but knowing that he is there.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 06:13:18 pm

I love that, Michele— the small, unseen moments. So true! Not only the preparation for the work of God, but raising the children He has placed in our stewardship as well. The small, unseen moments add up to raising little ones who learn to love God.

"We show up in his presence, not knowing what to expect, but knowing that he is there." That is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Reply
Jerralea link
2/25/2020 11:16:44 am

"I can sleep when the wind blows." I love this! To me, this speaks of doing my part and then leaving the rest in the Lord's hands

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 06:14:05 pm

That's really all we can do, Jerralea. :)

Reply
Laurie link
2/25/2020 02:21:44 pm

Patsy, the first sermon I can remember hearing as a little girl in church was on that very verse. I didn't understand it then, but I sure do now! Thank you for bringing back such a good memory.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 06:14:58 pm

That sounds like a lovely memory, Laurie!

Reply
Theresa Boedeker link
2/25/2020 03:00:25 pm

Oh, that we were all as wise and prepared as that young man.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 06:16:10 pm

Wise as that young man and the ant!

Reply
Susan Shipe link
2/25/2020 04:11:26 pm

The ant just kept/keeps doing what God designed it to do. Oh! What a lesson that is for us!!!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 06:17:23 pm

Yes, Susan! Quite a teacher that ant!

Reply
Lisa notes link
2/25/2020 05:42:06 pm

One thing that I like about winter (and there isn't a lot! ha) is that the ants go underground. I know they're still around, but I'm not faced with them. Nonetheless, I appreciate you reminding me that I don't need to totally negate them but to appreciate their good qualities. :)

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/25/2020 06:20:14 pm

You and me both, Lisa. The ant has lots to teach us about diligence, but this summer, when they are crawling across my black countertops in the kitchen, I'm not going to be so happy with the diligence of the ants!!! LOL

Reply
Bev @ Walking Well With God link
2/26/2020 07:04:40 am

Patsy,
Though I'm not fond of ants, they are industrious little buggers! I love the analogy of the farmhand. If we take care of what's ours to take care of we can sleep when the wind blows. Love this.
Blessings,
Bev xx

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/26/2020 09:42:11 am

I am not a fan of ants either, Bev! Especially, when they try to live in my house in the summer. *cry cry* But, WoW! We've got so much to learn from them and their diligence and strength. I've also learned that black kitchen countertops are not the best idea. LOL

Reply
Lauren Renee Sparks link
2/26/2020 01:16:35 pm

Love the farmhand story.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/26/2020 05:08:19 pm

It's a great analogy, Lauren! Everytime I rehearse it in my head though, I visualize Eb from Green Acres and Mr. & Mrs. Douglas. LOL

Reply
Melanie link
2/26/2020 08:23:08 pm

I like the idea of peace after the preparation. I think it’s important to work hard and be faithful to do what is required, and we still have to be purposeful to trust God when winter comes.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/27/2020 03:54:39 pm

Yes, Melanie, you're exactly right. Do what you can. Trust God for the rest!

Reply
Angela Johnson link
2/27/2020 10:25:51 pm

I have been studying Proverbs and have read a lot about the ant. I never really thought much about these creatures. To be honest I never liked them because they got into my house. However, my study has taught me to appreciate their hard work and diligence.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/28/2020 07:14:58 am

You know, Angela, Proverbs is going to be the featured book for our Summer 2020 Book Club-Style Bible Study!?! I'm so excited! There is so much wisdom for us there!

I'm with you, I've never liked ants much either—especially when they so diligently find their way into our home!!! LOL We can however, appreciate their diligence at such a task. :)

Reply
BettieG link
2/28/2020 11:46:27 am

Amen. It is so often the small and hidden preparations that God has done in us that make the way secure before us. He is so faithful to help us through each step!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/13/2021 02:01:24 pm

I LOVE THAT, Bettie! —> "It is so often the small and hidden preparations that God has done in us that make the way secure before us." SO TRUE!

Reply
Maree Dee link
2/28/2020 03:46:57 pm

I love the story you shared. Yes, being prepared is HUGE. Thank you for reminding us. Maree

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
2/13/2021 02:04:17 pm

Yes, Maree, it's a great story. Being prepared is HUGE, for sure!

Reply

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