Ryan Wilhite

“Decisions on the Farm”

When will I plant? That’s a question that will be on many farmers minds soon. The weather is heating up and soil conditions are improving daily.

Normally in our area we can get in the field the first week of April. Since I started the operation God has always reminded me to not watch the weather or what the neighbors are doing.

Isaiah 30:21 says “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.”

He wants us to let Him guide our steps. Often times this doesn’t make sense to others or what we should be doing from a realistic standpoint. 

Following God will also bring a lot of gossip and slander when you’re going against the grain and not doing things the normal way.

I’ve experienced this a lot over the years. It really got to me years ago, but God has helped me overcome the opinions of others.

I’ve had some very horrible things said about me in the past and I’m sure I will continue to in the future. The only thing that matters is what God says about us. Our identity is in Christ alone.

A month ago while spending time with the Lord. He told me not to go back to the farm and get ready for planting until He says it’s time. 

There were many unknowns of the future with my wife’s cancer and treatment plans. We recently found out she’ll have five rounds of radiation coming up in a few weeks. 

I heard the Lord say loud and clear to make sure I’m there for her appointments and any recovery that is needed. God and my family or way more important than my career.

This means that while everyone else may be in the fields, I’ll be waiting on God to tell me when to start. That doesn’t mean that my planting windows will be the best time for everyone else.

God had a plan and purpose for each of us and they all may be different. The most important part is surrendering daily and letting the Holy Spirit guide you. 

Planting dates can have a huge impact on yields, but every year is different. Just because I’m listening to God, doesn’t mean I’ll have a bumper crop every season or won’t endure losses. 

I’ve seen a little bit of everything since I started, but God works all things out for the good. There is alwags a greater purpose behind the pain and suffering.

Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

God has always forced me into the right planting and harvest windows since I started. They definitely haven’t looked the same as my neighbors. 

From planting in June when everyone else was done to finishing uo harvest in January, God is always behind every little detail. He’s taught me to always trust Him.

Following God won’t eliminate the trials and tribulations. I’ve had plenty and they seem to keep getting harder, but one things remains the same.

God loves me and is there every step of the way.

No matter what you’re doing in life, quit worrying and trying to control everything and let God lead the way. He will never steer you wrong!