A devastating frost ... and the harvest that followed

By Evan Mehlenbacher

My Dad and I were preparing our orchards for the worst that night. The weatherman was predicting a severe frost. Our apple trees were in full bloom. As the temperature started to drop, we did our best to protect the blossoms. But the cold was too much. How disheartening to see a year's worth of hope and promise wiped out in a few hours. After the freeze had passed, the worst was confirmed. We had suffered a total crop loss.

We started to prepare for the large loss of income and the continued expenses. I prayed for release from the great disappointment and depression I felt. One of Christ Jesus' statements came to mind: "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Although there was great loss throughout the orchard, I realized I needed to "judge righteous judgment"—to look at the situation from a spiritual point of view. I needed to look beyond what appeared to be the destruction of God's provision for His children.

Another lesson from Jesus' life occurred to me. I thought about the time that he fed thousands of people with just a few loaves and fishes (see Matt. 14:15–21). He proved that there is no limit to God's care. Numerical quantities—or lack thereof—mean nothing to God. It's what He is able to do for us, despite outward conditions, that makes the difference.

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A devastating frost ... and the harvest that followed

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