Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sow in faith...



I have to share something I read this morning. I was seeking for something to encourage me into God's work...
I've been rather discouraged lately, due to a chain of circumstances that seemed disheartening to me. I've wanted to give my all into serving Christ, and share the bounties He's bestowed on me, but then the enemy came in with suggestions of doubt and discouragement.
He's not going to win this time, friends.
But let me quote here, from 'Christ's object lessons', pg. 65;

"The work of the sower is a work of faith. The mystery of the germination and growth of the seed he cannot understand. But he has confidence in the agencies by which God causes vegetation to flourish. In casting his seed into the ground, he is apparently throwing away the precious grain that might furnish bread for his family. But he is only giving up a present good for a larger return. He casts the seed away, expecting to gather it manyfold in an abundant harvest. So Christ's servants are to labor, expecting a harvest from the seed they sow.
     The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish, worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last bears fruit to the glory of God. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Ecclesiastes 11:6. God's great covenant declares that "while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest . . . shall not cease." Genesis 8:22. In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not less confidently are we in the spiritual sowing to labor, trusting His assurance, "So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:11. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126:6."

And when I read this, I thought of my family and I. Former "worldlings", we had little or no Christian influence in our lives. About the only two things I can remember that had anything to do with Christ in our house, was an old black Bible, and Arthur Maxwell's "Bible stories".
But there were seeds planted. My Grandparents planted seeds. Other SDA friends planted seeds.  Though I know we appeared cold and hard, and might never sprout into Christians...
One day, we did.
And I am once again ready to fight, to bear the armor again, in the strength of Christ. I need not worry about the harvest, unless Christ chooses that for me. If I am only a planter, and never see a harvest, I rest content that Christ knows how to make seeds grow.
No, this sower is likely not done being tempted by discouragement. But he's going to rely, by God's grace, on the Master Sower, who knows how to deal with such things...
Please join me.
-Schane

1 comment:

  1. We often don't think that people like farmers, really do have to exercise faith that the seeds he plants, will sprout and grow, so it is whenever we seek to evangelize! Good thoughts, Schane!

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