3:46 – Harvesting Or Planting

#faithbites #faithjourney planting

In a recent discussion about faith, a person mentioned the story where Peter fished all night and caught nothing, then Jesus came by and he caught an over abundance of fish. (John 21:1-6). The story was to show how much we can do with Jesus. What would have happened if Jesus didn’t come by? Would Peter have had nothing? The conversation went on that we often feel like we are pulling up nothing.

That gets to title of today. Are we looking for a harvest when it’s time to plant? I love doing a garden every year. Buying the seeds, planting them in the ground, and the first watering. Then it gets boring. Pulling weeds, constant watering, then eventually we get a harvest.

What if when we are pulling up nothing, we are in fact planting seeds for the future. It’s not time for a harvest, just yet.

Scripture

• 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 6:9
• Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” – Matthew 9:37-38
• Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains – James 5:7

Reflection

It’s easy to become weary when we are waiting for the harvest. When I plant, those 14-21 days of waiting for the first sprouts are mind numbing. Will anything grow? Did I do it right?

Then, the sprouts start, but the worrying isn’t done. Am I taking care of it enough? Are the bugs going to destroy it? Will the harvest be good?

Finally, the vegetables come up. But the questions don’t stop. Should I pick them now? Is it safe to eat? When is the growing season over?

All of these questions are valid in our spiritual life. We don’t know what will happen to the seeds we are planting. We can hold true to God’s word, that our planting in him will be successful. We need to be patient.

At the same time, we are reminder that there are few workers. The job of planting seeds for the future is hard and takes it toil. We need to turn to the Lord for his guidance, support, and help in looking for these seeds to grow into new workers who will continue to plant seeds.

You may feel like Peter pulling up empty nets. Just know that you aren’t fishing but planting. Have faith. The seeds you plant may grow into a harvest like you weren’t expecting.

Challenge

What seeds are you planting when you feel you are pulling up empty nets? Pray on those seeds. Ask the Lord to be present and help the harvest to be plentiful. Like any good farmer or gardener, keep a record of what you are planting and when. It will help you to pray on it and see the fruit of God’s work through you.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you challenge us to plant seeds for the future. We are often impatient and want the harvest now. Give us patience to know that the seeds will bloom in your time and in your well. Fill our hearts with comfort knowing that we are doing your work. Continue to change us into your disciples who create new disciples. In your name, Amen.