Are you a faithful farmer for our Lord?

First tomatoes of the year

Genesis 9:20 (ESV)

Noah began to be a man of the soil, and he planted a vineyard.

My wife and I enjoy each year working in our garden.  Tilling the soil, planting and weeding are all an enjoyable time we can spend together. But the best part is when those plants start bearing vegetables for us to enjoy.

I started thinking about farmers as I walked through the garden today. What does a farmer do? If he or she is a good farmer, he works hard at preparing the ground for the sowing of seed. Each year, he waits in expectation for a harvest. Hopefully he toiled the ground well and the seed sank deep into the rich soil. Hopefully his watering was consistent and the seed will grow and bear large delicious fruit. But really, he can't know for sure until many months later when it's time for the harvest.

One of the trees for which Israel is best known is the olive tree. It doesn't take months; it takes YEARS for an olive tree to develop fruit! Who wants to plant a tree that doesn't bear fruit for many years? But once it starts bearing fruit it can keep producing on it's own for dozens of years!

We are all called to be farmers -- to bring in God's great harvest! What we often lack is the patience to wait to see fruit! We want those seeds to sprout right now and we lose heart when we don't see instant results.

The Lord promises that His Word will not be sent in vain, but will accomplish what He pleases and shall prosper where He sends it! Our job is to be faithful and patient! Let's not get discouraged when we don't see our seed producing. It will bring forth fruit in His timing! Be patient! Keep planting! And expect a bountiful harvest!

Are you a faithful farmer for our Lord?

Dear Lord, help us as we work in the garden You have placed us in. Help us be faithful so that we may bring many into Your kingdom. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.