Preserving our faith

Two weeks ago, I found a box of tomatoes on my porch.* I’ve shared with family, eaten lots of tomato sandwiches, and yesterday, I canned the remaining ones. As I went through the process of preserving these red globes of blessing, I considered how the canning process resembles preserving our faith.

Canning tomatoes

Why should I want to go through the hard work of canning tomatoes? Even as one experienced in canning, the process took me all afternoon.

But I didn’t want this fruit of the harvest to go to waste. And canning allowed me to save them for future use.

But I first need to give credit to the grower. As a farm-girl, I know the labor and long hours involved in raising any sort of crop for human consumption. It’s hard physical work and we’re at the mercy of nature. The balance between rain and sun–along with tender care and protection from insects, weeds, and varmints which eat our crops–decide whether we make a harvest or not.

But this box of blessing from the grower was ready for me–I didn’t have to do any of that work, only the canning process lay before me. Thank you farmers!

From fresh tomatoes to saved by canning:

• Prepare everything I need–wash and sterilize jars and lids
• Wash the fruit
• Set aside the ones with rotten spots
• Boil to loosen the skins
• Peel and chop the fruit into small pieces
• Boil the tomatoes again
• Fill the jars, add some salt, and place in the hot canner
• Cover with hot water and boil for designated time (they get REALLY hot in this process.

How preserving tomatoes resembles preserving our faith

We can tomatoes to preserve them for the future. When we build a relationship with our Father and accept Jesus as our Savior, we are securing our future.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to provide a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)

We are saved for our future.

Christians will go through hard times on their walk with Jesus. Hopefully, we won’t be cooked over a hot stove, boiled, or pressured in a canner, but we are promised that our life as a Christian will have challenges. There will be fiery trials, testing of our faith, and suffering.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter4:12)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

The testing, trials, and fiery ordeals we face will be worth it.

Jesus said:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

There’s a difference between preserving tomatoes and preserving our faith

Canned tomatoes don’t last forever.

The Good News for us is–being saved–preserving our faith through Christ’s love– means eternal life–forever with Jesus.

My prayer is that our loving and merciful Father will keep you safe and secure as you serve Him and His people.

*Although I don’t know for sure who left me the tomatoes, I’m almost certain, and very grateful for this gift from a family friend.