A "sheaf" of faith

When you come into the land . . . (Leviticus 23:10) 

Try though we may, we simply can’t control everything that happens in our lives. From political intrigues to sudden thunderstorms, some things just happen no matter what we do. Only God can make accurate predictions about what will and won’t happen. He does exactly this in today’s first reading, when he tells the people, “When you come into the land which I am giving you . . . bring a sheaf” (Leviticus 23:10). Notice that he says when you come into the land, not if.

Ever faithful to his promises, God knew that the Israelites would enter the Promised Land. All he asked for in return was their trust, demonstrated by an offering of a “sheaf,” a bundle of harvested grain, during the major Jewish festivals. This sheaf was to come from “the first fruits” of their harvest—the very first ripening of grain (Leviticus 23:10). They weren’t to wait until they had gathered all of the harvest; they were to show their trust that God would bless the rest of the crop.

But what about during years of drought or hardship, when the Israelites were struggling to see God’s blessings? Undoubtedly, it was hard to trust God then. But that’s what made the offering even more valuable.

We can find it hard too when our loved ones continue to struggle despite our prayers or when we can’t see a way out of a painful situation. Like the Israelites, we might wonder if God will be faithful. So how can we “bring a sheaf,” or continue to trust in God? By recalling how faithful he has been in the past. Use your personal history as a starting point, and then proclaim with the psalmist, “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness” (Psalm 27:13).

Maybe your faith has faltered at other times, but in this moment, decide to bring God a sheaf of trust. Imagine him responding, “When I answer your prayer . . .” God knows what he is doing. He is already past the “if” stage and onto the “when.” He is providing for you in ways you don’t yet perceive. Trust this, and thank the Lord for what you believe, even if you can’t see it. You may not know all the details of God’s plan, but God does. He won’t abandon you. 

“Lord, I entrust my deepest concerns to you in faith.”

from wau.org