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“Lord When Will I See a Harvest?”

Have you ever asked, "When will I see someone I love and care about get saved?"

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See

how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently

waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and

stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near." - James 5:7-8 NIV

 

When I made the greatest decision of my life to devote myself to the

Lord 33 years ago, people began noticing a difference in me almost im-

mediately, and not everyone was happy about it. My friends especially,

felt confused, bewildered, threatened, and abandoned by some of the

changes they saw in me. One friend in particular constantly let me

know that he wasn’t pleased with this “new life” I had chosen. I spent

time alone with God each day, praying, reading His Word, and seeking

His comfort and His counsel. Even though a part of me didn’t fully un-

derstand my friend’s hostile attitude toward my newfound faith, I had

to move on and grow in my faith. I persevered and did my best to plant

seeds of faith and love in the soil of others, but for my old friends, they

eventually accepted that the old Doug died, and this “new Doug?” We

don’t know exactly who he is? Since that day I have been able to plant

much gospel seed, and lead many to Christ, into the same faith I de-

voted myself to 33 years prior.

 

When we plant seeds of faith in the hearts of others, we usually have

to endure a waiting period. If you are like me, you not only want to im-

pact others’ lives for God, but you want to see the fruit of your labor

right away. The Lord used the verses above to remind me that, like

farmers planting their crops need to be patient and wait for their valu-

able harvest, we must patiently wait to see the results of our efforts

for God’s kingdom. While these verses actually relate to the Lord’s

Second Coming, I also see a principle at work here that helps me to

understand how we must often wait upon God to reveal His presence

and power in people’s lives and circumstances. Through our prayers,

words, and actions, we can plant seeds in the lives of others that will

produce a harvest for their good and God’s glory. Remember the Lord

didn’t “drag” you into the kingdom...he “drew” you. Sometime the

drawing time...means being patient with the seed we have

planted...give time for the Lord to work! Trust in Him! He knows how

to save souls!!!

We may still ask...“Lord When Will I See a Harvest?”

If we become too frustrated or anxious,

we could literally dig up the seeds we have

planted before they have had a chance to

take root and bear fruit. There have been

many times when I have become impatient

with the spiritual progress of those around

me – especially my closest loved ones – and

out of anger and frustration, I feel I may have

uprooted the seeds of faith I had planted in

their hearts. For some when we do this, in

many cases, it may take months – or even

years – to undo the damage we may have

done in just a short time.

 

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for

at the proper time we will reap a harvest if

we do not give up.

 

WE MUST BE PATIENT WITH THE SEED WE

PLANT!”

 

It reads a bit different in the NKJV...

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in

due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

 

I have had to learn the hard way that plant-

ing a harvest for God takes time, patience,

and understanding. Now, when I begin to get

anxious and impatient with the spiritual

growth of others around me, I often think of

my past experiences. It reminds me that even

when it seems that my efforts are failing mis-

erably, God could very well be working be-

hind the scenes to make them fruitful some-

where down the line. Remember a seed always ger-

minates under the soil, and in the dark. God works

some of greatest works for none to see.

I believe that as long as I am praying in faith

and planting seeds according to the Holy

Spirit’s leading, the Lord will keep working in that

person’s life somehow. I have seen God go

to great lengths to put pressure on people, and to

surround them with believers, simply be-

cause I began praying for them and asking the Lord

to change them. Now I take great comfort

in knowing that even if I cannot impact someone

personally, God knows who can, and He will

send the right person across their path as I pray for

them in faith. For anyone who identifies

with this struggle, (wanting to see a loved one saved,

or a close friend, or co-worker) God al-

ways honors this prayer…“Lord please put a laborer

in their path.” If I can’t be the one to plant the seed

of faith in their lives, and see their soul harvested to

you Jesus, someone else can…“please Lord send a

laborer.”

I am sharing all this with you today to encourage you

not to give up on your efforts to influence others for

God. Satan will try to convince you that all your

prayers and seed planting are a waste of time and

energy, but don’t you believe it. Instead, put your

hope in God, who is urging you today –

“Be patient and stand firm, be-

cause the Lord’s coming is near!”

Prayer: Lord, when I am tempted to become impa-

tient with seeing the fruits of my labor for

You, please remind me that my impatience can do

more harm than good. Show me how to

plant seeds of faith in people’s hearts and lives, and

to nurture them with prayer, godly behavior, and

understanding. Thank You for the abundant harvests

that will bless many and glorify You!

Jesus loves you, and so do I!

Pastor Doug :)