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.
What a wonderful gift you received. You gave us a vivid lesson by comparison of our life with the Lord. Enjoy those tomatoes, Katherine!
I did enjoy, Barbara! We ate tomato sandwiches (Yum!), I made soup, and canned the rest. Such a blessing!
Homegrown tomatoes are the best! What a wonderful, enduring salvation we have in Christ!
I agree, Priscilla–with both your statements. Blessings!
We love homegrown tomatoes. Hubby always says he can tell if a tomato is homegrown. 🙂 I love your messages Katherine. Have a blessed day!
I’m with your hubby on that, Melissa. Homegrowns are SO much better–richer flavor, better texture, and healthier for us because ripened on the vine instead of being gassed to turn them red. Thank you for your kind encouragement. Wishing you a joyful and blessed week!
I never thought of this comparison, Katherine. I love tomatoes and have canned more than I can count. Thank you for a memorable lesson.
There’s nothing like those homegrown veggies and fruit that we can for our family. Thank you for encouraging us on our writing journey and being a great role model. Blessings!
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we certainly can learn a lot from what lasts forever and what will perish. Great thoughts, as always, Katherine.
I sure would love several jars of those tomatoes!! 🙂
They are good tomatoes, Mary–full of flavor. I wish you were closer, I’d be happy to share. Wishing you much joy in your new home.
It seems like a good time to dust off those Mason jars and put up that produce. It’s great to have jam, peaches, or tomatoes deep into winter. God bless!
Yes, Nancy, you are right. I didn’t can much this year–so many changes in my family situation. It felt good to can–just a little. May God bless you and your ministry.
I love the way God is able to speak through ordinary, everyday activities. I’ll be thinking of this when I preserve the last of my jalapeño peppers.
Oh, my! Jalapeno peppers are too hot for me, but I expect you will enjoy their fire this winter in your recipes. Like you, I love the lessons God teaches through the ordinary, especially through nature and children (although children are far from ordinary!)
Such a great gift that keeps on giving. I have not tried canning tomatoes.
Such a perfect analogy for our faith. I like your comment that the tomatoes won’t last forever but our faith can. Thanks Katherine
Thank you, Yvonne. We are so blessed that our God loves us from here to eternity. Wishing you a joyful and blessed week.
I don’t think I’ve canned anything in my adult life, but I remember as a child watching my mom as she canned bread and butter pickles. Jars were everywhere in our small kitchen. And those pickles were so good! Thanks for the memories!
My mom canned a lot, too, and I suppose I got my start with her. There’s lots of good memories for me there. I’m glad this brought back happy moments for you, Lu Ann. Blessings!
wonderful lessons from canning!
Our Lord sends us lessons in many ways doesn’t He? Wishing you a blessed week, Kathy.