A Failed Garden
When my wife and I first got into our new house several years back, I had grandiose ideas of how my yard would look like an oasis rivaling our local Manito park. I spent an exorbitant amount of money on essential (my wife would disagree) tools to make this a reality. My yard would be the talk of town — I was sure of it.
It would have different colored flowers, different species of flowers, bushes cut to the same height, healthy, towering plants, and even a beautiful area where, you guessed it, we would have our vegetables. Yes, my garden would be a picture straight out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
The truth was, I didn’t even really know how to navigate a lawnmower. As a kid from the tiny island of Curaçao, our grass isn’t the same! I only knew how to use a “chapi”, a gardening tool similar to a classic hoe, and I played around with a weedwhacker when I was younger. Most of my “knowledge” came from movies and whatever image I had in my head of what it should look like. I was so sure I could do it!
Well, I was ill-prepared. Not only did I not prepare for the Spring, but I was overwhelmed when the torrential rain came. The grass that I thought would be easy to navigate just eventually died. I had all the tools and all the enthusiasm, but I didn’t apply any of it properly. In my embarrassment, I didn’t even think of inviting my neighbor at the time to help me (who had an uncanny ability to make his yard look fantastic!).
This story reminds me of three truths I want to share today.
- God will answer/provide (2 Corinthians 9:8). However, like my old pastor back in Curaçao used to say, your call is to prepare the ground if you want to see actual results, or else it’ll be a muddy mess. He will provide the rain (Psalm 147:8, Zechariah 10:1) whether or not you’re ready – He’s good like that.
- Preparedness does not mean striving harder (Ephesians 2:8-10), but it does mean to abide (John 15:4-5). Abiding, staying connected, or in union with Christ is a call to prayer, application of Scripture, and a call to share the love of Christ with others. These are a result of abiding, not a pre-requisite.
- Both preparation and good results come when we do it together (Psalm 133:1, Acts 2:42-47, Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Peter 4:10-11). Could you imagine what would’ve happened if I had just popped over and asked my neighbor to help me? Oh, what a missed opportunity!
Knowing God will provide, would you help us prepare for great results? We want an oasis, not a muddy mess or dead grass!
Would you join us this month to pray for our ministry in the eager expectation that God will do great things in the lives of youth in Spokane?
Prayer Requests
- Safety around the Hillyard youth center, as there is an increasing number of people car camping in Hillyard.
- Students will continue to attend school, as many of our students choose not to attend.
- Jessie* would deeply feel loved, seen, and valued by her parents, especially her dad.
- Katie* would be freed from suicidal thoughts and plans and be impacted by the truth and life found in Jesus.
- That the students choosing to attend Club on Tuesday and youth group on Wednesday would have open hearts and ears to the gospel—not just coming for food, friends, or escape, but genuinely encountering Jesus.
- Strong like-minded partnerships for the Kingdom.
- Discernment and wisdom as we aim for expansion.
- Consistent, loving volunteers.
Join us every Wednesday 1 P.M. – 2 P.M. to pray for our city and praying for Spokane youth at our Hillyard Center! Please email us for further information.
Kevin Illidge, Executive Director at Spokane Youth for Christ
*Names changed due to privacy