I had an apple tree and an idea: I’d make apple butter from the harvest. It turned out so tasty, I decided to can it. I’d never canned preserves, so I asked help from a friend who assured me of the ease of canning: Fill the jars, screw on the lids, and run them through a cycle in your dishwasher. The heat will seal your jars.
Pleased with the results, I prepared gifts of bread and apple-butter for my friends. The following spring while sharing dinner at the home of one of these friends, they broke out the apple butter they’d been saving for a special occasion. As the husband proceeded to open the jar, the pressure from the “fermented” apple butter caused the lid to detonate like an atomic bomb. Apple-butter- shrapnel hit the ceiling, cabinets, and everyone at the dinner party. As the shock wore off, we laughed hysterically. I guess I needed another lesson in canning.
God, however, is a master-canner. Scripture assures us,
“The Word of God will never fail.” Luke 1:37
When we expose ourselves to Scripture, something amazing happens. God stores the satisfying fruit of His Word on the pantry shelves of our hearts. In the moment of need, a lid gently loosens.
“May I offer this preserve to sooth your troubled mind.”
“Take courage in this promise.”
“Share this with your anxious friend.”
When we get into the Word, God’s word gets into us, providing unfailing hope to enjoy and share with others.
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