Have you ever been to a threshing floor — a place where beatings of grain take place on any given day?
“Threshing floor” and “winnowing” are agriculture terms used in the process of harvesting grain. Usually the women would cut down the grains, then the men would tie it up in bundles, and lay it out or hang it in the sun to dry completely. This was for the purpose of preparing it to be threshed on a threshing floor later. The place for threshing could be a smooth level surface on the outside or inside a building.
Threshing is to beat out and loosen the grain or seed from the outside covering, also known as the straw or husks. The beating can be done with an instrument called a flail, which consists of a wooden staff with a short heavy stick hanging from it.
A great threshing has been going on in my life over the last several months.
For many days, I was just trying to keep my head above the waters. I felt like I was drowning by all that I was facing.
I kept saying to the Lord, “This really is not a good time for all of this sickness.” Too many people were depending on me. I strongly wanted to postpone this to another time and place.
Have you ever found yourself in a place similar to this?
But, my Father had better plans, more urgent reasons. He wanted more of Jesus pouring out of this old clay.
“You, like living stones are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:5a)
He was using the threshing floor to bring about a dying process in my life.
“Always bearing about in our bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus will be revealed in our bodies.” (2 Corinthians 4:10)
Over and over I found myself crying out – “Oh, Lord, I trust You!!! No matter what, I know that You alone order my steps.”
Did this change anything?
Not in my physical world, but, yes, it moved me from allowing feelings to reign over me to faith in my Mighty God. It moved me from focusing on what I could not do to what “I can do through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“But, we have this treasure in earthen vessels (jars of clay) to show that the all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
More of You, Dear Lord, is my heart cry!!!
Love forever,
Tricia Cook
(This story will continue next week.)
Jonathan David Helser – Threshing Floor
I we’ll remember the days of my threshing floor. Every day is such a joy as I am closer to God . When I feel those old symptoms , I am thankful to be reminded of God’s mercy and healing . Bless you Trish!