Life is often complex. Sure, people say, “It’s simple, see?” But, as we all know that when we start to pull at the threads of a knotty problem, we find unraveling it is always a bigger task that it appeared to be at first. There is one straight forward principle that is quite simple. The Bible says, "You will always harvest what you plant." (Galatians 6:7, NLT) I walked past a small patch of bare dirt in my yard this morning and noticed little green shoots emerging. I was not surprised. About a week ago, I raked the soil and scattered perennial ryegrass seed on it, fully expecting that I would find grass growing on that spot. I counted on the amazing process of germination to produce green grass!
Are you planting seeds in life that will produce the harvest you desire?
God says, “Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you." (Hosea 10:12, NLT) There are immutable laws of the harvest found in the Word. Many have preached and written about them, but let’s look at them again.
1. We reap only what we plant.
2. We reap in proportion to how much we plant.
3. We reap only after we plant.
4. We reap more than we plant.
The full context of the phrase I quoted in the opening lines is God’s declaration. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:7-9, NIV) What a joyous promise. What an encouragement to faithfulness! The Lord of the Harvest will bless our obedience!
What are you planting, disciple?
What do you expect to harvest?
There is a faith principle at work in this. The farmer takes part of the grain that could feed his family and puts it in the ground! It’s a sacrifice at that moment, and if the rains do not come, could be a loss, thus his tears. But, when God blesses the planting, those tears become songs of joy when the harvest comes and food is assured for another year! Thus we read, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5-6, NIV)
Here’s a word from the Word. Make it your life guide today. "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. … Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness." (2 Corinthians 9:6,10, NKJV)
This principle is simple, see? Plant, then harvest.
___________________
Though it seems that your prayers
Have been in vain,
Though your faith the world would destroy,
Though your heart should ache
'Til it breaks in two,
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy,
For God is on His throne.
Though you've prayed 'til it seems that
Your heart would break,
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy!
They That Sow In Tears
Gaither, William J. / Gaither, Gloria
© 1964, 1965, 1975 William J. Gaither, Inc. ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management
CCLI License No. 810055
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