Harvest in the Midst of the Storm

I grew up with a mango tree on our property which produced great fruit during its season every year. My passion for mangos inspired me to wake up early to gather them. The Lord Jesus Christ has amazing ways of showing us His abundant grace and love through our passions and desires. So it is no surprise to me that when my faith was tested recently and I was in the midst of my darkest storms, I had a vision of a great mango harvest.

Have you ever experienced a season in your life when it seemed like the unexpected problem came without warning and was so severe that you felt paralyzed and fearful? My hope is that you will be inspired to believe and have faith in God in the midst of your storm, so you will not abandon your God-given vision.

The dream of the mango harvest gave me hope to believe in the Lord for restoration and peace. In the dream, I was at home and suddenly heard sounds of activity outside. As I walked through a door to investigate, I discovered that our home was surrounded by mango trees. To my amazement, the trees were filled with ripe mangos and they were falling down from the trees.

All of a sudden, several people appeared to help gather the harvest and we filled up huge baskets with fruit. The more we gathered and gave away, the more the mangos kept falling from the trees. In a matter of moments, there was a three-foot deep sea of ripe mangos surrounding my home. I was thrilled and happy to see the abundant harvest, but it was short-lived, as I woke up.

How could I dream of abundance during a season in my life when I was facing much despair, hopelessness, fear, and anxiety? Unexpected evil attacks had crept upon me unaware, causing me to question whether God had forsaken my family. We needed an immediate Holy Ghost intervention. My family tried desperately to remain encouraged and strong. It was a daily battle, with lots of tears and questions about how God would allow us to go through such terror.

On the Sunday following the vision of the mango harvest, we attended church and God provided me with the answers to all of my questions, in a message from our pastor. He said we were going to meet Jesus at a miraculously new and higher level! There was so much power and revelation in that sermon that we immediately grabbed the word as a personal, tangible prophecy. From the revelation in that service I was able to share with my pastors about how God had miraculously healed my soul from weeks of anguish.

If you are experiencing challenges or problems and cannot see a way out, I promise you today that there is hope! In the midst of the storm, God’s Word will bring you through.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).

No matter the situation, issue, or challenge you may be facing, just remember that in all things God is working for your good. It is God’s will that you prosper and be in good health. There are certain situations that blind you to the point that you cannot see how any good could come out of it. Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ sometimes allows things that are hidden to come out so you can win the battle and become strengthened in Him.

We cannot allow attacks to bind us into a depression whereby we settle for fear and despair. We must remember that God is faithful to heal and to fix anything that needs restoration.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NKJV).

Through my trials and tribulations, I learned that the enemy looks for any possible way to frustrate us. He comes in suddenly like a thief to steal, kill, and destroy our God-given purpose and vision. Unfortunately, there is no careful planning or preparation that can exempt us from all evil attacks. Major issues can cause great struggle in our lives, but our full victory over them will push us to our next level of maturity, if we remain steadfast, holding to our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember: the Lord is faithful to honor every promise that He has made to us.

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:23-24 NKJV).

I discovered faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is critical to my survival, not something I should leave lingering around only to be used when I feel it necessary. I need it every day! I can be confident that whatever I petition will be answered in Jesus’ name; that the Lord hears my cries and will help to resolve every situation.

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated” (Isaiah 54:4a NIV).

Finally, do not be afraid to ask for help from your pastors or other mature Christians. People tend to retreat or abandon their church in the midst of trouble, instead of running to it. When you are in the valley, keep in mind that you need a hand or two to help to pull you out. God is there to protect you from any shame, disgrace or humiliation.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 KJV).

Your trials are just preparing you to stand firm in God. Do not give up on your God-given identity, purpose, and vision. Even in the midst of the storm you can see God’s hand at work and be a part of the great harvest that the Lord is calling you to partake of.