The Cabbage Patch
Cabbage Patch is a term that references a time when everything seems to go wrong, or when it seems like every thing is going wrong. As one person observed: “The Apostle Paul said there would be tough days, but I didn’t know they would come in bunches like bananas!”
Medical evidence indicates there are people who have chemical imbalances that affect personality. My heart goes out to those who have medical challenges of any diagnosis. However, those who suffer personality disorders as a consequence of medical problems are especially needy of prayer and compassion.
This letter is written to every American and any other person who is privileged to thoughtfully read and ponder its content. Particularly, the thoughts to be expressed are for those who have presence of mind, who can willfully, of their own volition, choose their course of action in daily life. In short, this letter is addressed particularly to those who knowingly make decisions that lead to direct consequences.
Having laid a predicate, allow me to proceed. Given that a person lives long enough, there will be a cabbage patch. The cabbage patch may be happenings in one’s own life, or external events may impinge upon a person’s life forcing him or her into a cabbage patch. Sickness, an accident, or financial challenges may cause a cabbage patch. On the other hand, war, weather, politics, economics, loss of loved ones, and other factors infringe upon and press into an individual’s life causing pain, loss, heartache, discouragement and fear.
Fact: If you live long enough you will experience a cabbage patch.
Fact: When you experience a cabbage patch it will not be enjoyable.
What happens after one is in the cabbage patch depends upon a critical variable: Is the cabbage patch a result of foolish action, or is the victim who is in the cabbage patch innocent? Did sin pay wages, or is a good person caught in an evil set of circumstances to test character and integrity?
Fact: If a person is caught in the cabbage patch because of sin, then Mercy is the hopeful friend. Mercy will not give to the victim what the victim deserves. Deeds done have brought just punishment; however, Mercy pleads for leniency. Mercy intervenes for the guilty offering hope and opportunity for the foolish to change attitude and behavior.
Fact: If a person who has walked in integrity with God ends up in the cabbage patch, then Grace accompanies Mercy. Grace offers blessings not deserved. Grace pours out goodwill and hope. Grace provides joy even in the midst of the worst trials of life.
I have seen many who pleaded for Mercy to come to their rescue. Much weeping and wailing has been done when too soon and too late sin reaped its wages.
Yet my heart rejoices for the countless number of precious people I have known who lived godly lives in Christ Jesus. Caught in the cabbage patch, but not from sin, their song of triumph and joy has sent forth the sound of victory. Such saints become the Kingdom. Such saints are pillars in the Church. Grace triumphs! Think of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail.
Careful, My Friend, take heed, there is a cabbage patch ahead. Be sure you wisely choose your course. Be thankful for Mercy, but live in such a manner that Grace comes to your rescue first.
The first and greatest step to the best and brightest future is to trust Jesus as your Savior.
Hoping you live wisely in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Bare
Deuteronomy 30:19