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 :)
