If we live an honorable life, God will use it to silence the foolish accusations, which ignorant people make against us (1 Peter 2:15-16). We know the truth that will set them free, but they do not want to hear it. They label us as intolerant for insisting that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Do you ever get weary of witnessing to people who will not listen? I recently grew weary and prayed about what to do.
The Lord reminded me that when we plant a seed in a garden,
it takes a great deal of work and care before we reap the fruit. We rope off an
area, remove the weeds and till the soil into rows. We fertilize the soil and
then plant the seeds. It takes weeks for the plants to sprout and then a few
months before the plants produce any fruit. We continue to water, pull weeds
and keep the plants safe from obstacles to their growth. Yet, only God can give
the increase.
The Lord pointed out to me that witnessing takes the same
care and labor of love as gardening. A one time or another, we are tilling the
ground, or planting a seed, or watering; however, only God gives the spiritual
increase too, and only a few can actually harvest (1
Corinthians 3:6-9). This gave me the faith to continue sharing Christ
with everyone around me. If we do not give up, we will eventually reap a
plentiful harvest in God’s timing (Galatians 6:9). God
resists the proud, but has mercy and gives grace to the humble (Proverbs
3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
God calls everyone to take part in His gardening process.
If we liberally sow God’s truth in the lives of our friends, relatives,
associates and neighbors, we will reap a hearty harvest; however if we sow
stingily, we will reap sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6). We are
not obligated to share God Truth with anyone; but as a good steward, we cannot
help but invest in God’s Kingdom, which brings us His rewards (Matthew
25:14-30).
Prayer:
Father God, remind us not to become weary of working in
Your Kingdom, because You promise that we will reap a harvest if we keep on
sowing (Galatians 6:7). Help us to follow Your gardening
laws. Give us the wisdom and strength to continue with patience as we ready the
ground, fertilize and water, plant the seeds, and then wait for You to give us
the harvest. We know that You do not desire that anyone should die in their
sin, but that everyone should come to know You in an intimate, personal
relationship (2 Peter 3:9).
Thought for the Day:
God gives us His grace to allow Jesus to accomplish His
work in and through us (2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 2:10).