Former Blackout Artist

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. – Romans 1:25

Old Henry had worked the land his whole life. From the time he was a boy, he knew that if he wanted something, he had to earn it. His father taught him that. “The land will take care of you if you take care of it,” he used to say. And Henry had done just that.

Over the years, Henry’s farm grew. His fields stretched wide, his barns stood tall, and his pockets stayed full. Neighbors admired his success, and younger farmers often came to him for advice. But as the farm grew, something else grew – his need to control it all.

Henry didn’t miss church because he was a bad man. He just didn’t have time. There were cows to feed, fields to tend, and markets to sell at. He told himself that God understood. After all, hadn’t God given him this land to take care of?

One year, a drought came. The rains stopped, the ground cracked, and Henry’s crops withered under the hot sun. He worked harder than ever, digging new irrigation ditches, buying expensive feed, doing everything in his power to save his farm. But nothing worked.

One night, after another long, fruitless day, Henry sat on his porch and stared out at his dying fields. He clenched his fists and shouted, “God, why would You let this happen? I’ve worked hard! I’ve done everything right!”

Then, like a whisper in his heart, a thought came: “Henry, who have you really been trusting?”

Henry frowned. He had always believed in God, but when had he last talked to Him? When had he last thanked Him – not just for the farm, but for who He was? Somewhere along the way, Henry placed his trust in himself and the land instead of the Lord. His success had become his security, and his work had become his worship.

The rains didn’t come the next morning, and his farm didn’t miraculously heal overnight. But Henry changed. He stopped gripping his farm so tightly and started trusting God more fully. And for the first time in a long time, he felt something better than success – he felt peace.

Like Henry, we all have things we rely on more than we should. What’s something in your life that might be taking God’s place? Work, money, approval, comfort? Remember, nothing in this world will ever be a sure foundation. Only God can hold that place.