Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Every Christian worker – indeed, ever believer – needs this exhortation from time to time. The harvest can seem like a very long time coming, and indeed, we might not see it in the flesh. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) I’m sure Paul himself needed to be reminded of this occasionally! It is only natural to desire, need, feedback from our activities, and sometimes that can feel pretty scarce. Continuing yesterday’s theme, harvest can seem like a long time off when we’re in the middle of plowing, planting, and weeding. We need to remember what the Lord told Isaiah: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11) As the Bible illustrates time and time again, sometimes that fulfillment is many years later, even centuries or more. Isaiah himself had no idea when his many prophesies of the Messiah would be fulfilled, and tradition tells us he was sawed in two on the order of a resentful king, but the harvest did indeed come, and I have a feeling God let him see it from heaven. As this verse tells us, giving up should never be an option!

This is certainly appropriate for me! My parents labored in Japan from 90 years ago, and I’m not through yet. I hope to see the centennial of my father’s arrival, which will come in 2034. My parents did see harvest, but not on the scale for which they prayed. My mother told me that on one occasion my father prostrated himself on the floor and cried out, “God, if I am standing in the way of revival in Japan, then take me out of the way!” As a new missionary he had visited Shantung, China, and so had seen what genuine revival looked like. He was invited, encouraged, to stay in China to participate in that harvest, but he knew his assignment was Japan. I have been in Omura for what will be fully 43 years next month, and we still run less than 20 people for most Sunday services. However, several full-time ministers have been birthed from this church, and I am grateful. I don’t know what the Lord has planned for the years ahead, but I can have peace and assurance that every word God has spoken through me will accomplish that for which He sent it, even if I don’t personally see that result. God is faithful, and that’s the end of the story.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You’ve been doing recently that I’ve been aware of. I’m sure there’s been much more that I haven’t been aware of! Thank You for the Coaching seminar that will be here tomorrow afternoon. I ask for wisdom in our preparations today, so that nothing will interfere with what You want to do, building up the Body of Christ for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!