In Due SeasonSample

Pest Control

Pest Control is a huge part of producing a good harvest. If a farmer is not diligent in knowing what types of pests will attack crops, it can lead to disaster. Pests like locusts can attack a field of crops and bring to ruin which can cause famine. In our own lives, we can deal with “pests” and if not controlled appropriately can cause issues in getting us to our destiny. In farming, pests are categorized by the damage they inflict on crops. We can relate some of these types of pests to situations or people in our lives. 

Chewing Mouthparts Pests- These pests leave holes, ragged edges, and missing parts of a plant. This could be categorized as situations in your life that strip you of your passion and talents. This could be people who degrade you or make you feel that the destiny you are trying towards is not possible. 

Piercing Sucking Mouthparts -These pests literally suck the life out of the plant. Examples are people who are draining and do not deposit much into your life or your overall purpose.

Defoliators feed on plants and leave them bare. Examples are people or situations who are using you for your resources. 

Gall makers insert all or part of their bodies into plant tissue—typically into leaves, stems, or twigs—and cause the tissue to swell. An example of this is people who you have a connection, maybe even a soul tie, which can connect themselves to you and destroy what God intended for you to be. 

It is important that we identify these things and people in our lives, and learn how to control them from wreaking havoc on our destiny. The truth is, we cannot prevent pests or distractions from coming into our lives, but we can make sure that we have the right tools to control the damage that can occur. 

How do we fight against this? We must use the armor of God to defend ourselves against them. In Ephesians 6:13-14, the Word says we should put on the full armor of God so you can withstand the evil day. This means that the evil day will come, however when we put on the armor of the Lord, we can defend ourselves and destiny against it. 

One pivotal thing is making sure that God is endorsing every step you are taking, in any area of your life, and you are asking for His protection and discernment. This will help you delineate what activities, friendships, and issues you should be participating in. It does not mean that calamity will not come, but when it does, you will be more prepared to fight against it and overcome it.

Reflection:

1. What “pests” exist in your life?

2. In what ways can you use the armor of God to attack these things, people, or places?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, 

Help me to discern what distractions I have in my life and find creative ways to eliminate and control them. 

In Jesus name, 

Amen!