Ryan Wilhite

“Iron Sharpens Iron”

Do you ever get so focused on work and responsibilities that you forget how much you actually need other people in your life?

For many years I’d never make time for others and eventually realized the importance of friends and fellowship. 

Last week I met up with some good friends that live a few hours away for lunch and we spent several hours talking about farming, life and God. We’re all first generation farmers and brothers in Christ. One is from Indiana and the other is from Canada, that now farms in Central Illinois. 

We all met up at the farm progress show this past year and had planned on meeting again after harvest. Life got pretty busy this winter, but God opened the door recently. It was perfect timing as always.It has been a great few months, even while going through the fire at times. God has been so good to us and I’ll be forever grateful for everything He does. 

There is a lot of negatives to social media, but God can still use it for the good. He’s connected me with so many great friends through it. You never really know the impact those friendships and conversations may have, whether on someone else or yourself. It’s been life changing for me. 

Last winter, God had me shift gears and take a break from the farm instead of preparing for the new season. At the time, I wasn’t sure why, but looking back, I can see He was working behind the scenes. He still has me in that chapter of focusing more on my Him, my family, friends and fellowship. 

I’m so thankful I listened to Him. Focusing more on God, as well as my family and friends, has already made a huge difference in my life. I’ve spent less time focusing on the farm this past year than I ever have, yet God has moved in bigger ways than He ever has since I started the operation. 

Living three hours from the farm, I feel God is calling me to only go back for planting and harvest like last season.He told me to put the operation completely in His hands and be prepared to go wherever He calls me.There’s a much greater purpose behind everything than we realize and Gods plans are always better than our own. 

Nothing is wasted when it comes to God. Make it a habit to surrender daily and let the Holy Spirt guide your every move. God wants to have a relationship with us and it doesn’t stop there. Relationships are so important. I’d say they come second to salvation. Acts 2:42 says “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” 

He calls us to be disciples, which includes making time for others. No matter how busy life gets, we should prioritize that. While there are seasons where God may lead us into long hours or isolation for a purpose, we eventually need others in Christ to help strengthen us. 

I’ve been in those isolated seasons, where God was working on my heart and life, but eventually, it’s the community of believers that helps us grow. There’s so much freedom and hope in talking with others who can relate to your struggles and share how God has worked in their lives. 

As farmers, we spend a lot of time staying busy and being alone and I’m sure this is true for many other occupations as well. It’s easy to feel like you’re all alone in the world, facing challenges no one else understands. Just know that you aren’t alone. 

This business isn’t like it used to be when my grandpa was farming. There’s a lot greed, gossip, slander and other things going on in the farming community. Probably worse on social media, but you get it in the small communities. This causes others to keep to themselves. 

Fear of hidden agendas or gossip, is a common thought when dealing with others locally these days. This business has become so competitive and cut throat that we no longer talk to our neighbors like they did many years ago. 

At the same time, the Holy Spirit is moving in mighty ways across the country. I’m seeing this first hand and I’m sure many of you have also. Your worst enemy, besides the devil can be yourself. The mindset of “I’m fine, I’m taking care of myself” can be the most dangerous. 

The saddest people are often those who are self centered and think they can go through life alone. We simply cannot keep our lives to ourselves. Surrounding ourselves with good friends is so important.

Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  I am so grateful for the brothers in Christ that God has surrounded me with over the years. I encourage you to make time for others, whether that’s calling a friend, sending a text, or meeting up for lunch. 

God has used that to help me through some of the hardest circumstances of my life these last few years.  If you feel all alone right now, start praying that God will surround you with the right people. I was in that place not long ago and His timing has been perfect.  You’ll be amazed at how much better your life can be when you intentionally invest in relationships with others!