When we go through deep trials or great suffering, we need to be reminded that God is working purposefully, intelligently, and lovingly in our lives. Isaiah used the illustration of a farmer to teach this truth to the Israelites.

A farmer works with a specific purpose in mind. I know of an area that was solidly wooded 60 years ago when a young man bought it. Without the use of modern machinery, he cleared it of trees, plowed it, and seeded it. His one purpose was to harvest a crop.

When God digs into our lives, His plowing has a purpose too--a spiritual harvest that will enrich us for eternity.

A farmer also works intelligently. Isaiah described the careful selection of plots for different seeds (28:25). God too is careful to select for each of us exactly what we need for spiritual growth. Our trials are not the result of fate.

Finally, a good farmer uses as gentle a method as possible to thresh his crops (vv.27-28). Our loving God exercises the same principle. He never causes us needless pain.

Isaiah concluded that the Lord is "wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance" (v.29). Have you come to that same conclusion?  — Herbert Vander Lugt