The Right Tool

“A heavy sledge is never used to thresh black cumin; rather, it is beaten with a light stick. A threshing wheel is never rolled on cumin; instead, it is beaten lightly with a flail. Grain for bread is easily crushed, so he doesn’t keep on pounding it. He threshes it under the wheels of a cart, but it doesn’t pulverize it. The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom.” Isaiah 28:27-29

Early in my marriage I learned that my husband was a perfectionist. One afternoon I was standing in the kitchen preparing a vegetable side-dish for dinner when he began criticizing and correcting my methods. Apparently I wasn’t using the proper utensil. There was a specific knife designed for the chopping job I was attempting and I was consequently going about it all wrong. I wasn’t using the right tool.

In today’s passage we read of the farmer who uses a variety of tools, taking into account the fragility of each plant. Some tools would be too invasive for those with a smaller, more delicate nature.

Do you realize that God does the same with us? God’s Word says that He observes our frame. He knows we are dust. He considers our individual circumstances and is well aware of our personal weaknesses. He deals with each of us sensitively. Although we are all loved unconditionally, always and forever, His care for us is unique and suited to fit us personally. No production line dispensing of care, He treats each of us as if there was just one of us.

We too should be mindful of the character and needs of others, giving special attention to specific personality types. Refrain from treating everyone in “cookie cutter” fashion. One friend laughs at your jokes, while another’s soul might be too tender, interpreting your carefree response as insensitive. We need to be attentive and mindful of our relationships so that we don’t crush a delicate heart.

Father, thank You for knowing me so intimately and choosing the “right tool” to harvest my heart so that I can grow into Your likeness.