My teenage son’s garden adorns our backyard. And by adorn, I mean large leaves stretch across formerly flattened sod. But this is an improbable garden. Without the pandemic slowing things down, it’s likely my son’s energy would be spent elsewhere.

And yet, even with his new focus, Ryan forgot to label which seeds were planted in which row. In some cases, a certain shape, color or smell gives us a hint of what is in bloom.

The unknown is a familiar theme for most of us these days.

Not knowing what is growing around us or when a new development will appear in front of us is a common occurrence.

Because this is a different kind of summer.

The beauty of 2020 vision must feel betrayed by the barrage of 2020 crises. The woes of the coronavirus and any other difficulty we faced before or after its arrival, can make the lazy days of summer seem longer.

But a different set of circumstances can lead to a different kind of encounter with God’s grace.

Unlike Ryan’s scattered seeds yielding an unorganized crop, I believe God’s grace is reordering what needs to grow in us. A willingness to trust Him in all things is a fruit I need to bear in any season.

As I think of my son’s improbable garden, I believe God wants to prepare us for an improbable harvest. By His grace, it results in an unlikely blessing despite the relentless nature of our trials. These verses give us a sneak peek.

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
   and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
    and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
    and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
    I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!“

(Habakkuk 3:17 and 18 NLT)

“Even though” is a phrase often used to introduce disappointment. I hope my son’s foray into farming yields a different result. However, the Old Testament prophet teaches us how to inventory life’s lowest points and rise to something much higher.

At the end of Habakkuk’s list, he knew God’s power is never diminished just because we face difficulties. In fact, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. ( 2 Corinthians 12:9)

As the prophet said, “I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” his “even thoughs” became an “in spite of those.”

In spite of what we’re facing this summer, the word “salvation” refers to God’s deliverance and restoration. Through faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord is the God of our salvation too. (Acts 4:11 and 12)

What do you need to see differently because of His grace this summer?

Even if there is little left of life the way we planned it, there is always a next step in the plan of God. 

I’m learning from Habakkuk’s resolve. Through faith in Christ, a redemptive choice always rises. Then amid my list of “what should have beens,” I sense God’s mercy. In the midst of what I could never do, I trust He is making miracles. I’m praying the same for you friend.

Seeing the randomly placed plantings in my backyard, allows me to see an improbable harvest. For years, I wanted to do a simple herb garden. Now cilantro grows somewhere between carrots and cantaloupe. In this, I do rejoice!

To read more of my “Joy to the Soul Summer” series click HERE. A special thanks to the wonderful guest authors who shared encouragement (and a special recipe): Abby Macdonald, Barbara L. Peacock and Tyra Lane-Kingsland.

Congratulations to Jackie, last week’s winner of the eBook “30 Days, 30 Ways to Salad Heaven!”

After a short blogging break, I look forward to meeting you here on August 26. Even in this different kind of summer, may you have hope in your heart and joy to your soul!