A few months ago I was driving through the countryside when I came along a tractor pull a manure wagon through a field.  Quickly I rolled up the window because I knew it would not be long where I would catch a scent of the appealing smell of manure.  Of course there is nothing appealing about it at all.  Yet this farmer understood something about the benefits of spreading cow waste all over his field.  Manure serves as a nitrate that puts nutrients back into the field and actually causes the field to become more fruitful and productive.  Even though at the time it is spread it can be messy and stinky, when the harvest comes it is worth it.

It is important to recognize a principle that can relate to our lives.  You don't have to live long to find that there are all kinds of people who are spreading their manure over us.  It stinks and it is messy, not to mention it is a very unpleasant process to go through.  Many times we cry out to God for him to stop those who are being critical of us, making accusation and even lying about us.  Yet it continues and we wonder why God allows it to happen, when all God has to do it zap them with a lightning bolt.  Well it is probably better that God is not tossing lightning bolts on those who deserves them.  I might just find my name on that list.  Rather it is important for you to recognize that like a father God is allowing the criticisms, accusations, lies to become like manure that will in the end produce a great harvest.  A great harvest of souls, miracles, and revelation in your life.  So the next time you smell something in your life that is reminiscent of manure thank God for the fertilizer and know he is just preparing your field.