Reaping a Harvest

The day was sunny and bright as we returned from a short camping trip. As we approached our deck, something was amiss. The lovely flowers that had graced my entry way now looked smashed.

My first thought was about what creature might have been at my plants. But then it dawned on me – there had been severe weather when we were camping, perhaps it hit at home as well.

With trepidation I went out to my large garden, fearing what storm evidence I would find. Sure enough, hail had wreaked havoc to most of my plants and fruit trees.

I cried. And then I had moments of just wanting to give up. After enduring hail last summer as well and flooding the year before, I felt done. Why bother sowing seeds when I could not reap the harvest?

I plan my garden so carefully, hoping to provide food for our family. Why does it seem so hard to make it work?

It’s how I feel when it comes to caring for people sometimes. I try and try to do what’s right, but still, it seems I don’t get through. I really wonder if some things are worth the effort.

I am not alone in this feeling. Paul writes in Galatians:

“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 NIV)

While it is hard to persevere, that is what God is asking of us. The need is great in our world. There are many hurting people who need to know that God cares for them. Yes, it is hard to share the Gospel message at times when people scoff at us, but we need to keep on doing it. We just don’t know when a particular seed will take root and grow.

God does not promise that the seeds we plant will produce exactly what we want when we want them. The harvest will come – but in God’s time.

In my first walk about my garden upon my return, I saw destruction. Yet, as I continued to explore, I saw God’s loving grace. Certain pockets in the garden were still relatively intact. As I cradled some tomatoes in my hand, I was thankful that God didn’t abandon us totally. It gave me hope to continue to plant and hope for the produce of the future.

Some days it feels like our words and actions go nowhere. Yet, we never know what seed we may be sowing in God’s kingdom that will bear fruit someday.

How do we make this work? Here are some ideas:

• Look for opportunities to care for others in small ways. It doesn’t take big things only to make a difference. Smiles, politeness, and respect go a long way.
• Ask God to open the door to minister to someone each day and prayerfully consider how God wants you to approach them.
• Be patient, waiting for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives around you.
• Arm yourself with God’s Word to strengthen and support you.
• Be in it for the long haul. Don’t expect instant results. You might be just one step in a multi-level process to help someone’s life.

Take heart and keep on. You never know what kind and caring thing you do today may improve someone else’s tomorrow.

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