" 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

                                                                                    Paula
One day when I was out planting radish and lettuce seeds in my garden, I began to think about the concept of sowing and reaping—how those tiny dead specs of organic matter would, under the proper conditions, come alive and in time grow into mature plants. Radishes would sprout and mature in a matter of a few days, while the lettuce seeds would take longer to develop. Instructions on how and when to sow and when the sower could expect a harvest was all right there, printed on the backs of the seed packets: Work the soil, plant the seeds properly at just the right depth, tamp the rows, water, watch out for invasive weeds and insects, and wait. If only the progression for sowing spiritual seeds could be as straightforward!

I began to think, if only I had some printed information as shown on the backs of these seed packets that would give me hope for when to expect a harvest of answers to my prayers. So, I asked the Lord, “Why is it that when I pray (plant faith seeds) for others, such as for financial needs, for their salvation, or for healing, sometimes the answers come quickly but other times it takes years before I see any positive results? During those times when I don’t see anything happening, when it seems as if my prayers aren’t being of any effect, it’s so easy to get discouraged.”

Well, I’m sure by now you know where this is going. By experience, every farmer understands that it takes longer for some seeds to germinate than it does others. Also, soil and weather conditions as well as countless other factors determine whether a seed will take root or not. The same holds true for spiritual seeds. (In Matthew, chapter 13, Jesus delivered an entire discourse on the subject.)

Perhaps, like me, you’re praying for the salvation of loved ones, for deliverance from unhealthy habits, or for someone’s healing. You’ve sown your seeds of faith and have been tending them for awhile now—but nothing seems to be happening. Every day you look but see only soil, no sprouts. Take courage! Like the farmer, be patient and trust in your heart that God’s laws will surely take their course. Above all, avoid slumping into unbelief merely because you aren’t seeing any results right away. Rest assured that the Holy Spirit is doing His work beneath the surface, whether you see anything springing up yet or not.

Throughout the Bible God has given us instructions on how to sow spiritual seeds. He may not have given us a definite timeline regarding when we can expect a harvest, but as Galatians 6: 9 reveals, when we remain diligent in prayer, hopeful of heart, and faithful that God will bring to pass His Word in due season, we will reap a harvest. We just have to be patient and never lose sight of the goal until the harvest comes. If that takes seconds, hours, days, months, or years, so be it. Our job is to sow the seeds, through faith diligently tend them until they mature, and never allow ourselves to become weary in our well doing. When we follow these instructions, in due season we can then expect God to bring about the harvest—the happy result of our faithfulness.

The Amplified Bible says it this way:  “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.”

I don’t think the instructions could be any plainer or easier to understand. Gardening is hard work, but a satisfying process nonetheless. In the same way, standing steadfast in prayer takes courage, diligence, and stamina. When we’re engaged in great battles against the weeds and insects of discouragement, fear, and hopelessness—those pests that threaten to destroy our seedlings of faith—that’s when we need to gird ourselves with courage, stand fast, and fight the enemy with faith. And when we’ve done all, we must stand back, watch, and wait. Most importantly, we must trust and believe God will, in His perfect timing, cause the answers to our prayers to come to pass.

I live Galatians 6: 9 and fight the good fight against discouragement every day. People who know me well will tell you that when Paula prays, she never gives up because she understands down to the cellar of her bones that God remains true to His promises. The moment we decide to believe and take God at His Word is the moment our prayer seeds begin to germinate and take root. I keep in mind every time I pray that, no matter what I’m seeing in the natural, God is a master at bringing dead seeds to life.


Pam
So often I can feel the world pinching in. My Christian beliefs tell me one thing and the world tells me something completely different. Christ has asked me to turn the other cheek, not gossip, pray for my enemies, and even feed them if they are hungry.  I have been instructed by God’s Word to be temperate, tolerant, kind, gentle, patient, and joyful. I know acts of love toward others makes God real and visible. I am to trust in God’s love and put my life in His hands.

This is not exactly what the world tells me. A few minutes spent skimming the newspaper, Internet, and popular TV shows tells me just what a schmuck I am for having my beliefs. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and we have to look out for number one. Selfishness has been elevated to a virtue and an art form. Self-indulgence moves the economy. Compassion is for chumps. Winning is all, and if winning comes at the expense of others, so be it. In the current worldview money is to be praised and worshiped, for it is the scorecard that informs the rest of the world we are either winners or losers; only the accumulation of wealth can provide any kind of security. 

There are times it just seems easier to give in.  Why not indulge and give in to temptation? Why not gossip? Isn’t it kind of fun to feel taller by standing on someone else? After all, everyone else (the mythical, misguided everyone else) does. Why try and hang on to beliefs that are so contrary? These are the times I have to return to Paul’s words. I have to remind myself not to grow weary in doing what is right.

So what harvest can I expect to reap? Will I win the lottery, get a new car or the prize behind door number two? I guess I could receive any one of those things and more. But I think Paul is referring to something deeper and more meaningful. If we persist in doing good, we begin to conform to the image of Christ. And isn’t that the goal of all Christians, to become more Christlike? For Jesus isn’t just our Lord and Savior, but also our teacher and guide. There is no better reward.