...other meditations

sowing seeds

do you not say, `four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! they are ripe for harvest. john 4:35

Jesus said the fields are ripe for harvest! are you out in the field that God has set before you? if you are, then all of this will sound familiar. for those of you not yet out in your field, i hope this will be both motivating and encouraging.

Jesus told his disciples that some people sow and some people reap. have you ever taken part in the reaping of a harvest? did you ever experience the joy of seeing the fruit grow before your eyes? if you have, you have seen first hand the miracles God can perform. if you've solely been the planter of the seed, you are equally as blessed, for you have laid the foundation for others. in most cases, it is the hardest work and sometimes it could seem disheartening. but do not be discouraged! both the sower and the reaper work together for the cause of Christ so that they may be glad together. (john 4:36)

the vocation of the sower requires arduous work. the sower must have patience and faith. he toils, he sweats and prays for a good crop. patiently he waits for results. however, God calls him to another field. obediently, he leaves his dormant seed behind and travels to the next lot of land. continuing to pray for the seed left behind, he begins to sow new seeds. he has the patience knowing not to expect instant results and his faith assures him that God will take care of all seeds left behind.

so, what happens to all of those little seeds left behind? when it is God's will, He will send others to share in the sowing process. they too will encourage, love, pray for and nurture the seeds. before long, the seeds will have sprouted some good roots and begun their flowering processes. every individual sharing in this process will witness a different stage of growth. isn't that awesome?

here's how it begins: shortly after receiving Christ as Lord and Saviour of our lives, a certain kind of joy builds up inside. we can't sit still or keep silent, so we plant our seeds by telling others about the wonderful things God has done for us. in fact, when we share the Good News, we are sowing our field. we may not see any results, but we must have the patience and faith to allow God to tend to His garden. when it is His will, He will provide all means necessary to allow for the growth and the inevitable harvest.

as i look out upon my field, i see a lot of hurting individuals who need the love of Jesus in their lives. they are drowning in their sin and hope is but a distant memory. whether you sow or reap, the miracles of a new life in Christ will be witnessed worldwide and much rejoicing will echo to the ends of the earth and above. the fields are ripe my friends! let's get to work!

(green) thumbs up for God,

tamara