When you feel like you just keep toiling without getting anywhere, know the great harvest is well on its way.
We’re all familiar with the natural laws of science. But sometimes I think we need to be reminded of God’s spiritual laws. Galatians 6:7 teaches an important principle: “For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap” (AMP).
Everything in our life is a seed—every thought, word, action, prayer … everything. And every seed we sow will produce a harvest. So the kind of future we will have depends entirely on what kind of seeds we sow right now. The choice is up to us.
For example, do you desire mercy? Then be merciful to others. Do you want others to treat you well? Then begin treating others with value and respect. If your marriage needs improvement, make a fresh commitment to love and honor your spouse.
After Dave and I first got married, I could be pretty hard to get along with. Dave, on the other hand, has always been extremely patient and loving. During that time, I asked the Lord, “When am I ever going to get anything out of this relationship?” The Holy Spirit instantly spoke to my heart and said, “When are you going to put anything into it?”
The Lord’s answer helped change my marriage … and reminded me that everything starts with a seed.
Take the Road Less Traveled
Matthew 7:14 says, “The gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life.” This means that to receive all of God’s promises, we can’t simply do what we want and feel. We must be determined to do what God’s Word says even when it’s difficult and when it seems like things will never get better.
Many people would love God to simply wave a magic wand over them and make all of their problems go away. But the secret to having a great life is to sow the right seeds and do the right things over and over again.
I know this from personal experience. After I quit my job to prepare for full-time ministry, finances were a challenge. Each month we had to pray for a miracle so we could pay our bills on time. God was always faithful to provide, but it was difficult. I’ll never forget the day a friend came by our house to tell me how much God had been blessing him. That day I threw myself on my daughter’s bed and cried out to God, “When, God, are You going to do something for me?” I was so tired of hearing how God was blessing everyone else.
But something happened inside of me. Right then I made a decision. I proclaimed, “God, we are going to tithe and give and do what’s right until the last day we are on this earth—no matter what we get or don’t get!” And from that day forward, things began to change.
You see, when we decide to do what’s right because it’s right, then our breakthrough is on its way—and there’s nothing that can keep God from blessing us.
“Due Time” Is God’s Time
Galatians 6:9 says, “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.”
When I first got serious with God, I had a lot of problems in my life. Though the Lord began changing me, I didn’t feel like I was making any progress because I had so far to go. I eventually learned that we can’t overcome a lifetime of bad seeds with just one decision. But every right decision we make—whether it’s a thought, word, action or attitude—slowly changes our lives for the better.
Payday is coming. Things may not look like they’re changing, but “due time” will arrive if you just don’t quit. When your life honors the Lord, nothing can stop Him from blessing your life and honoring you in ways you haven’t even imagined. Nothing can stop “due time” from showing up in your life.
I encourage you to keep pressing on. Decide to stay on that narrow path even when it’s difficult. Because when you do, you’re sowing seed for the greatest harvest of your life.
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored nearly 100 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Making Good Habits, Breaking Bad Habits. She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs. For more information, visit joycemeyer.org. To read past columns in Charisma by Joyce, visit charismamag.com/meyer.
