Faith and Farming

  We all want our children to feel equally loved and equally valued. But when it comes to passing down the farm, equal doesn’t always mean fair —and if we’re not careful, trying to be “equal” could destroy the very legacy we hoped to leave behind. The Cutting Board Story I once worked with a farm couple who were hesitant to start the planning process unless their farming son was involved from the beginning. To them, this was farm succession—nothing more. But as we worked through the initial stages with just Mom and Dad, something deeper came to light. Their non-farming son had once made a joking comment at a holiday gathering: “I figure all I’ll inherit is Mom’s old kitchen cutting board.” It wasn’t about the money. It was about what that meant— a fear of being left out or less valued . This son was thriving in his career and financially secure, but he still felt like his brother—the farmer—was the “golden child.” And Mom saw it. She felt the tension, the heartache, and th...

  “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” — Deuteronomy 8:18 You weren’t created for scarcity—you were created for stewardship, impact, and abundance . Many of the families I work with know both sides of the financial story. They’ve seen empty bank accounts and broken-down equipment held together with prayer. But they’ve also seen restoration. Today, many are quiet millionaires—humble, grateful, and sometimes unsure how to feel about the blessings they now enjoy. So how do we live in abundance without guilt? How do we rejoice in our success without feeling the need to apologize for it? It starts with truth: God is the source of all provision. If He’s given you the ability to produce wealth, He’s also calling you to use it wisely. Wealth Is a Tool—Not a Burden God never asked you to be ashamed of your blessings. But He did ask you to steward them well. “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be ge...

 Faith without action is dead. “Just as a human body without the spirit is a dead corpse, so faith without the expression of good works is dead!” — James 2:26 (TPT) That truth might seem out of place in a conversation about farm succession, but it’s exactly where we need to start. Farmers are known for their work ethic—when it’s time to plant or harvest, nothing gets in the way. But when it comes to planning for the future of the farm, many hesitate … and delay becomes dangerous. “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” — Ecclesiastes 11:4 I’ve watched families stall for years, unsure how to start—or afraid to make the wrong move. And that delay can quietly destroy everything they’ve built. It reminds me of the man in John 5 who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” Then He told him to “Pick up your mat and walk.” The man could have stayed stuck—but he moved. And everything changed. Th...