The Hay is in the Barn

A farmer’s work is done when the hay is in the barn. Until he closes the barn door with the hay inside, he worries about rain, pests, seed, and soil. He knows he’s done all he can. He’s seeded, fertilized, watered, nurtured, and whatever else farmers do to grow hay. Once he stores the harvest, he can relax. The hay is in the barn is an expression athletes use to say they’ve done all the training they can, and it’s time to trust it and go compete. I hadn’t heard of this saying until recently. I had been training for a marathon for about four months. With only four weeks to go I was feeling tired and achy, but my training schedule called for several more grueling runs before race day. It crossed my mind that I might be better off with a little more rest and a little less training.

I’m a member of a Facebook group called “Runners Over 50.” I asked experienced marathoners, “Is it more important to complete the marathon training program to the letter, or to listen to your body when it’s asking for rest?” Someone answered, “Rest. The hay is in the barn.” I love that! Not only because it’s the answer I wanted, but because it gave me confidence to believe that I had banked the miles and I was ready. I tailored the training program to accommodate my body. But I wouldn’t know if it was the right strategy until race day.  

This led me to thinking about the spiritual significance of the saying. So many people go through life worried about what happens after they die. Many people keep a mental checklist of good works, thinking that’s how they get to heaven, but how will they ever know if they’ve done enough? Others think it’s enough to be a “good person.” But how “good” is good? Romans 3 says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There is none who does good. There is not even one.” That’s a downer! If no one does good, how can anyone get to heaven? How can we ever rest in the assurance of knowing the hay is in the barn, and our salvation is secure?

We can’t if we’re trying to earn our salvation by doing good works. Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross, taking the punishment we deserve. Then he rose from the dead. The hay is in the barn only when we trust in Him for salvation, and not in our good works. In the days leading up to the marathon, I continually questioned whether I had made the right decision by choosing rest over more running. With my toes on the starting line, I still worried about it. Thankfully, my results validated my decision.

We don’t have to go through life questioning whether we’ve done enough to get to heaven. That’s not how the hay gets in the barn. Believe in Jesus for your salvation and know beyond doubt that your eternity is secure. There’s no other peace like knowing the hay is in the barn.