I’ve always wondered why planting season and storm season coincide so precisely in the Midwest.

As the weather warms up and the ground becomes ideal for seeds to take root, monstrous hail and tornado-producing supercells roll through. These storms wreak havoc on the plans of even the most experienced farmer. And for those wannabe gardeners like me, the threat itself—just the possibility of a storm—can keep us from planting at all.

Yet planting must happen.

Just as spiritual planting must.

Without sowing, a harvest doesn’t come. Without pressing in with courage to do what God has called us to do, the fruit He wants to produce through us won’t materialize either. Ecclesiastes 11:4 tells us, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap” (ESV).

The wind and the clouds are the very things the enemy wants to keep our focus. He will do whatever he can to distract us, intimidate us, frighten us, or cause us to “shrink back” rather than move forward in the faith and grace God amply supplies (Hebrews 10:39).

What does God have for you to do today? What roles does He have for you to play? What responsibilities do you carry?

Don’t look to the wind and clouds and let them determine your success.

Look to Jesus.

Don’t let the storms of this life define who you are.

Let Jesus.

He has power over the storm. He controls the wind and the waves (Mark 4:41). And He will protect you. Through Jesus, you will have all the strength you need to sow and reap a harvest for His glory.

*Originally published by the Joyful Life Magazine.