God’s seasons are valuable to the earth and to our spiritual wellbeing. As I shared in the last devotional, during fall and winter the plant sheds all its beauty and becomes doormat. Similarly, fall and winter cause believers to slow down from busyness and activities. This is the season that they need to dedicate more time in seeking the Lord and in growing deeper in Him.
As the spring comes along, the activities being to change. Farmers begin to plow, sow seeds, and to nurture what has been planted. These are critical actions in preparation and expectation of the harvest in the next season.
Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my speech. Does the plowman keep plowing all day to sow? Does he keep turning his soil and breaking the clods? 25 When he has leveled its surface, Does he not sow the black cummin And scatter the cummin, Plant the wheat in rows, The barley in the appointed place, And the spelt in its place? 26 For He instructs him in right judgment, His God teaches him. Isaiah 28:23-26
The above scripture describes the process that a plowman goes through to plant various seeds. At first, he has to plow the field to get it ready to be sown. In addition, each seed has its proper place and way to be sown. All of this comes from the Lord’s instruction in helping the plowman to judge and assess accurately what each plant needs.
Spiritually speaking, God gives His children the wisdom to make the necessary preparations and plans in the appropriate seasons. The season of preparation will look different for every person. God knows our abilities and personalities, and He also knows what is needed for us to be prepared. Some may require more work than others because of their history, unbelief, stubbornness, or their particular calling. Nevertheless, God is still after a harvest in each of our lives.
Moses tended his father-in-law’s sheep for forty years before God spoke to him about his assignment as the deliverer of His people. David was being prepared for over a decade before God allowed him to be the King of Israel. Joseph had a few winters and springs before the Lord opened the door for him to become a ruler in Egypt at age 30. Jesus was being prepared for 30 years before the Lord directed Him to begin His ministry.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
Are you faithfully plowing, planting, and nurturing in your spring season? The season of preparation may feel like a lot of work with not much reward. At times, we may not even know what we are preparing for. The truth is that this season will not last forever. God promises that when we do good and do our work unto Him, we will reach the season of harvest.
Encourage yourself in the Lord and regain your strength in Him. Trust Him that the harvest is coming. Our part is to continue to do good, to not quit, and keep looking unto Jesus. We do not want to reach the reward with our own strength and ingenuity. The harvest is not our responsibility. The Lord is the rewarder, and He shall bring it to pass!
